Aiming for the ideal synthesis

J Org Chem. 2010 Jul 16;75(14):4657-73. doi: 10.1021/jo1006812.

Abstract

The field of total synthesis has a rich history and a vibrant future. Landmark advances and revolutionary strides in the logic of synthesis have put the practicing chemist in the enviable position of being able to create nearly any molecule with enough time and effort. The stage is now set for organic chemists to aim for "ideality" in the way molecules are synthesized. This perspective presents a simple and informative definition of "ideality" and demonstrates its use during the self-evaluation of several syntheses from our laboratory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / chemical synthesis*
  • Alkaloids / chemistry
  • Amines / chemistry*
  • Biological Products / chemical synthesis*
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Chemistry, Organic
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Penicillins / biosynthesis*
  • Penicillins / chemistry
  • Polycyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Polycyclic Compounds / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Amines
  • Biological Products
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Penicillins
  • Polycyclic Compounds
  • cortistatin A