Frontispiz: Total Syntheses of β- and γ-Naphthocyclinones

Abstract

After half a century from their isolation, the first total syntheses of β- and γ-naphthocyclinones, the pyranonaphthoquinone hetero-dimers, have been accomplished, as reported by Yoshio Ando et al. in their Communication (e202415108). These natural red pigments are produced by soil bacteria collected at a volcano crater in Cameroon. This image illustrates a volcano, their home ground, and the key reactions for constructing the bicyclic structure by employing rhodium (Rh) and sulfur (S).