Ira M. Taffer

Reductions of Alkyl and Aryl Halides with Magnesium and Methanol

Abstract The combination of magnesium in methanol provides a convenient, efficient system for the selective hydrogenolysis of alkyl and aryl iodides and bromides. Vinyl bromides are also reduced if conjugated to an aromatic ring while only benzylic, allylic and naphthalenic chlorides are affected. Deuterium may be selectively introduced via utilization of methanol-d as solvent.

Selective reductions of conjugated acetylenes with magnesium in methanol and methanol-D

Abstract The combination of magnesium in methanol or methanol-d offers an efficient, convenient and selective method for reduction of acetylenic bonds conjugated to esters (but not acids) or to two phenyl groups to the saturated or tetradeuterated derivatives, respectively.

Total enantiospecific synthesis of 12(R)-HETE

Abstract A total synthesis of 12(R)-hydroxy-5,8,14- cis -10- trans -eicosatetraenoic acid[12(R)-HETE] was accomplished via a short, efficient, enantiospecific route.

Cyanoborohydride supported on an anion exchange resin as a selective reducing agent

Ion-exchange resin bound cyanoborohydride provides a successful and convenient reagent for a variety of reductions with the added advantages of ease of work up and resin retention of cyanide.

An Efficient Approach to Spirosesquiterrenes. Synthesis of (±)β-Vetivone.

Abstract (±)β-Vetivone and (±) 10-epi-β-vetivone have been synthesized in 6 steps via an efficient spiroannelation-functionalization sequence.