An efficient methodology for the synthesis of complex pyridin-3-yl-phenyl biaryl systems is described; microwave irradiation greatly enhances the rate of the two Pd-catalyzed key steps: formation of the stannane partner and its subsequent Stille coupling with a range of highly functionalized pyridines. Besides being fast and high yielding, this process also allows diversification of the pyridine at a late stage.

Rhein has been shown to inhibit the uptake of glucose into Ehrlich Ascites tumor cells. In this paper we show that a wide range of antrhaquinones related to rhein can also inhibit glucose uptake into chondrocytes, many significantly more than the parent molecule.

Islandicin, a mould metabolite, can be synthesised in a few, robust, high yielding steps. This procedure can be further elaborated to give a variety of hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acids.

5-Amino-3-substituted-1,2,4-thiadiazoles have been found to reduce the inflammatory and arthritic symptoms in the adjuvant arthritis model of rheumatoid arthritis.

A series of 5-acyl-3-substituted-benzofuran-2(3H)-ones and their respective ring-opened o-hydroxy acids were synthesized. The antiinflammatory activity was evaluated in terms of their ability to improve adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Their effect on the production of both cyclooxygenase (CO) and lipoxygenase (LO) metabolites of arachidonic acid in guinea pig peritoneal polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was also examined. No correlation between the antiinflammatory activity and increasing stability of the lactones could be found. The degree of activity in general shown by the benzofuranones was similar to that of their corresponding o-hydroxy acids. This, coupled with the evidence from studies on opening of the lactone ring, suggests an in vivo transformation of the former into the latter. Benzofuranones displayed a dual inhibition of CO and LO products, while a moderate reduction in CO metabolites was shown by their acids.