Martyn Voyle

Practical methylation of aryl halides by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling

Abstract A number of aryl halides (X=Cl, Br, I) can be converted to the corresponding toluenes in an operationally simple manner using trimethylboroxine (TMB) as a partner for palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling.

A new Claisen sequence for the synthesis of 3-substituted-2-oxindoles

Abstract Treatment of 3-methoxycarbonylindole with N -chlorosuccinimide followed by a range of alkenols yields 3-allylated-2-oxindoles in good yield, via a novel addition–Claisen rearrangement sequence.

Synthesis of (+)-Gabosines C and E from D-ribose

Abstract Short syntheses of Gabosines C (1) and E (3), starting from D-ribose are reported. The syntheses employ an intramolecular nitrile oxide cycloaddition to generate the carba-sugar skeleton, and result in the first total syntheses of unnatural (+)-Gabosine C and natural (+)-Gabosine E.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of metabolites of the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist SB-207266

Three metabolites of N-[(1-butyl-4-piperidinyl)methyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-[1,3]-oxazino[3,2_a]indole-10-carboxamide (SB-207266) (1) were synthesised and their pharmacological activity determined.

USE OF METHYLLITHIUM IN METAL/HALOGEN EXCHANGE; A MILD AND EFFICIENT METHOD FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF ORTHO SUBSTITUTED TOLUENES

Methyllithium, in the presence of excess methyl iodide, can be used to convert suitably substituted aromatic bromides to the corresponding toluenes under mild conditions and in high yield.

A novel, simple method for the preparation of hindered diphenyl ethers

The displacement of the nitro group from substituted nitrobenzenes is used for the synthesis of diphenyl ethers. 1,4-Dinitrobenzene has been converted into a variety of hindered diphenyl ethers using 2,6-disubstituted phenoxides and studies show that the mechanism of formation of the ether (5a) is radical in nature.

A Novel Synthesis of the 5HT3-Receptor Antagonist BRL 49231

Abstract A short route to the 5HT3 receptor antagonist BRL 49231 involving alkylation of the amide enolate of 1-acetyl-3,3-dimethylindoline is described.