Abstract: The present invention provides a convergent method for the synthesis of ubiquinones and ubiquinone analogues. Also provided are precursors of ubiquinones and their analogues that are useful in the methods of the invention. The invention further provides an improved method for the carboalumination of alkyne substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convergent method for the synthesis of ubiquinones and ubiquinone analogues. Also provided are precursors of ubiquinones and their analogues that are useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convergent method for the synthesis of ubiquinones and ubiquinone analogues. Also provided are precursors of ubiquinones and their analogues that are useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convergent method for the synthesis of ubiquinones and ubiquinone analogues. Also provided are precursors of ubiquinones and their analogues that are useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A general method for sequential addition of two substituents to an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated ketone (enone), involving 1,4-conjugate addition of a desired substituent group to the enone to form an intermediate enolate, followed by electrophilic trapping of the enolate, wherein catalytic amounts of copper are employed in combination with another organometallic compound to effect the conjugate addition via a reactive cuprate reagent and yet provide an intermediate enolate species based on the other organometallic compound which is amenable to trapping by a suitable electrophile. Pursuant to this method, a true three-component coupling reaction can be effected starting from an alkyne, an enone, and an electrophile.

Abstract: Higher order cuprate complexes are prepared by means of a transmetalation from a corresponding zirconate intermediate. This process is particularly valuable with respect to the preparation of vinylic side chains such as are present in prostaglandins, as it is possible in accordance with the present invention to proceed directly from the acetylenic precursors via the reactive cuprates to the desired final products in a one-pot operation without isolation of intermediates and in high yields. Sequential additions to zirconium intermediates of components which together comprise the cuprate involved in transmetalation with the zirconium intermediate are disclosed as alternative procedures.

Abstract: Higher order cuprate complexes are prepared by means of a transmetalation from a corresponding zirconate intermediate. This process is particularly valuable with respect to the preparation of vinylic side chains such as are present in prostaglandins, as it is possible in accordance with the present invention to proceed directly from the acetylenic precursors via the reactive cuprates to the desired final products in a one-pot operation without isolation of intermediates and in high yields. Sequential additions to zirconium intermediates of components which together comprise the cuprate involved in transmetalation with the zirconium intermediate are disclosed as alternative procedures.

Abstract: Azetidine carboxylic acid esters are converted into enol silyl ethers which, as enamino ketene acetals, undergo ready oxidative cleavage of the ethylenically unsaturated double bond, e.g. by dye-sensitized photo-oxygenation, to form beta-lactams. The beta-lactams and substitution products thereof are useful intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active lactams.

Abstract: .gamma.-lactones are converted into both known and new azetidine carboxylic acids which can be transformed readily to the corresponding .beta.-lactams by oxidative decarboxylation. The .beta.-lactams and substitution products thereof are useful intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active lactams such as nocardicin.