Two applications of heterocyclic synthesis are discussed herein. Microwave-assisted synthesis leads to a variety of heterocyclic 2,3-disubstituted indoles in a fast and efficient manner. The formal total synthesis of staurosporinone was completed in 3 steps from commercially available compounds. The second project discusses the synthesis of 2,2'-dithiosuccinic anhydride for use as a biobased linker. The bisanhydride did cross-link with normal cornstarch.