“Chemistry ought not to be for chemists alone.”
― Miguel de Unamuno
This is saxitoxin, a paralytic shellfish toxin produced by marine bacteria in nature … and organic chemists! Synthetic investigations, marked by by the first total synthesis in 1977 by Kishi, have advanced our understanding of the biology of sodium ion channels, the nervous system, related toxins, and medicine.
Total synthesis is the science of making complex molecules like natural products in the laboratory. Initial synthetic endeavours in the 19th century elucidated simple molecules, like Wöhler’s synthesis of urea (component of urine). This post explains it with a simple example.
As chemists levelled up their power through new chemical reactions, and deeper understanding of functional groups and chemical concepts, more complex targets came into the realm of possibility. Classics in total synthesis include penicillin (β-lactam antibiotic), strychnine (toxic alkaloid pesticide), vitamin B12 and taxol (anti-cancer terpenoid).
This is the twisted structure of canataxpropellane, the complicated cousin of taxol.
Spearheaded by breakthroughs of leaders like R. B. Woodward, E. J. Corey and K. C. Nicolaou, the field has transformed our understanding of chemistry and unlocked progress in biology and medicine.
Born out of passion for total synthesis, this page is part of the effort of Total Synthesis Videos to explain simple and advanced chemistry concepts to students, professionals and other interested individuals. Although organic chemistry is objectively the best field (/s), we all need to understand natural sciences more broadly.
Scientists can have strong egos or act elitist. I’m sure you agree organic chemists in particular).
This arrogance is not helpful or fun, so we place an emphasis on interdisciplinary knowledge and welcome everyone.
This page consolidates organic chemistry explanations and some educational case studies. Given the advanced nature of some of the content, it’s not all beginner-friendly. So, if you are at the level of googling “how to learn organic chemistry”, you will find other resources more enjoyable.