A ligand-controlled iridium-catalyzed semihydrogenation of alkynes to E- and Z-alkenes with ethanol was developed. Effective selectivity control was achieved by ligand regulation. The use of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE) and 1,5-cyclooctadiene (COD) was critical for the stereoselective semihydrogenation of alkynes. The general applicability of this procedure was highlighted by the synthesis of more than 40 alkenes, with good stereoselectivities. The value of our approach in practical applications was investigated by studying the effects of pinosylvin and 4,4′-dihydroxystilbene (DHS) on zebrafish as a vertebrate model.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is still spreading at an alarming rate and has caused huge loss of life and economic damage worldwide. Although more than one year has passed, effective treatments for COVID-19 and other pathogenic coronaviruses have not yet been developed. Therefore, the development of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors is an urgent priority. Given that the M^pro sequences of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 are 100% identical in the catalytic domain for protein cleavage, the viral main protease (M^pro) is one of the most extensive drug targets in all the drug targets being investigated for SARS-CoV-2. To provide scientific researchers with timely anti-SARS-CoV drug development information for M^pro, we focus on the past and current drug design and development strategies for M^Pro in this review. We believe that this review will provide meaningful guidance for the design and development of innovative drugs against COVID-19 and other pathogenic coronaviruses in the future.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder with no effective therapeutic drugs currently. The complicated pathophysiology of AD is not well understood, although beta-amyloid (Aβ) cascade and hyperphosphorylated tau protein were regarded as the two main causes of AD. Other mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, deficiency of central cholinergic neurotransmitters, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, were also proposed and studied as targets in AD. This review aims to summarize the small-molecule drugs that were developed based on the pathogenesis and gives a deeper understanding of the AD. We hope that it could help scientists find new and better treatments to gradually conquer the problems related to AD in future.

A ligand-promoted iridium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of terminal alkynes with ethanol and its application has been developed. Highly chemical selectivity control is achieved based on ligand regulation. 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane was found to be critical for the transfer hydrogenation of alkynes. The general applicability of this procedure is highlighted by the synthesis of 30 terminal alkenes with a good yield. In addition, we conducted drug effect studies of phenelzine using zebrafish as the vertebrate model. Phenelzine shows a significant effect on promoting vascular proliferation and inhibiting nerve growth. The results of these studies have an important reference value for promoting drug research in cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, mania, and psychosis.