Discover Organic Chemistry and its role in Medicine & Science
“Chemistry ought not to be for chemists alone “
— Miguel de Unamuno
What is total synthesis?
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 basics concepts with a simple example.
As chemists gained unprecedented power through new chemical reactions, and deeper understanding of functional groups and chemical concepts, more complex targets came into the realm of possibility. Notable classics in total synthesis include penicillin (β-lactam antibiotic), strychnine (toxic alkaloid pesticide), prostaglandins (hormone-like fatty acids), vitamin B12 and taxol (anti-cancer terpenoid).
Spearheaded by breakthroughs of leaders like Robert Burns Woodward, Elias James Corey and Kyriacos Costa Nicolaou, the field has transformed our understanding of chemistry. In recent decades, it also unlocked significant value in biology and medicine.
this Organic Chemistry blog Page
Born out of passion for total synthesis, this page is part of the effort of Total Synthesis to explain simple and advanced chemistry concepts to students, professionals and other interested individuals. Although organic synthesis is objectively the best field (/s), it is needed to understand natural sciences more broadly.
Scientists of various disciplines can exhibit strong egos, elitism or arrogance (I’m sure you agree organic chemists in particular). This naivety is not helpful or fun, so we place an emphasis on interdisciplinary knowledge and welcome everyone.
This page consolidates case studies (based on educational videos) and will include stand-alone blog posts. Given the advanced nature of some of the content, much will not be beginner friendly. So, if you are at the level of googling “how to learn organic chemistry”, you will find other resources more enjoyable.
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Exceptions to the Octet Rule? Hexamethylbenzene Dication
Did you know that carbon was allegedly found to engage in six bonds? The strange hexamethylbenzene dication has attracted significant attention due to structure featuring a hyper-coordinated carbon. But can…
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Diels Alder Reaction Mechanism, Orbitals & Examples
The Diels Alder reaction is a [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between a conjugated diene and a dienophile. Here we explain its mechanism, orbital theory, stereoselectivity and endo rule using 3D models…
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Wittig Reaction Mechanism & Examples
The Wittig reaction is an olefination reaction in organic chemistry. Let’s explain its mechanism and stereoselectivity using some examples and 3D models! Interactive 3D model of methylenetriphenylphosphorane (simplest Wittig reagent)…
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Troc Protecting group Mechanism & (De)Protection
The Troc protecting group protects amines and alcohols from acid, base and electrophiles. It is deprotected by reduction. Troc (also 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl) is a really exotic but versatile protecting group. Let’s…
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THP Protecting Group (Tetrahydropyranyl Ether)
The THP protecting group protects alcohols as THP ethers that are stable to electrophiles, bases and other reagents. It is acid labile. THP is a much less common hydroxyl protecting…
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Acetal Protecting Group & Mechanism
The acetal protecting group protects carbonyls from bases, nucleophiles and hydride reduction. Among many variants, most common are dimethyl acetals, 1,3-dioxolanes and 1,3-dioxanes. There is no single acetal protecting group!…
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🧠 Is Organic Chemistry Hard? (Spoiler: Kinda)
“Why do they call it organic chemistry? Nothing about this feels natural.”A student, somewhere out there Organic chemistry is often perceived as one of the most challenging subjects for students.…
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Trityl Protecting Group: Trityl Chloride Protection & Deprotection
The trityl protecting group protects alcohols and amines, and can be deprotected with acids like acetic acid or TFA. The trityl group is another acid-labile protecting group that might remind…
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Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry: Introduction
Functional groups are the foundation of organic chemistry as they define the structure, reactivity, and properties of organic compounds. Here, we explain what functional groups are (by looking at –…
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How to Identify Nucleophile vs Electrophile (Summary & Detailed)
Ever struggle with how to identify if a group is a nucleophile vs. electrophile?If you are in a rush and don’t care about learning chemistry (bruh), the first sections got…