Discover organic
chemistry
and its role in science and medicine.
From classic total syntheses to quirky structures and the medicines of the future. Learn more about chemistry through explanations, videos, problem sets and interactive molecular models.
A complex and dangerous natural product. Saxitoxin is a paralytic shellfish toxin produced by marine bacteria (see ‘red tides’) … and also chemists! Its synthesis was a fundamental unlock for our understanding of sodium ion channels in biology.
The spirit behind my content:
“Chemistry ought not to be for chemists alone.”
— Miguel de Unamuno
What you can find here
Follow your curiosity.
Molecule Lab
Draw structures, explore 3D geometry, investigate stereochemistry, and export your new friends.
Videos & explanations
Discover molecules, unusual reactions, and the stories that make organic chemistry memorable.
Practice problems
Work through organic chemistry problems and solutions at your own pace.
Protecting groups
A broad collection of articles on key protecting groups.
The Freshman Mole
When you need a break from the seriousness: A funny, satirical novel about the freshman experience.
To Be Released
An interactive place to learn
Truly understand what your drawings look like.
Most molecules aren’t flat – or ‘planar’, as chemists like to say. With the free molecule drawing tool, you can move from a 2D drawing to rotatable 3D geometry, investigate bond angles and stereochemistry, and save images or models for presentations.
Enter 3D Molecule LabA science, tool and art
The art of building molecules.
What is total synthesis?
Total synthesis is the chemical production of complex molecules like natural products. Initial synthetic endeavours in the 19th century elucidated simple molecules, like Wöhler’s synthesis of urea (urine, lol). 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, strychnine, vitamin and taxol. Pioneers such as R. B. Woodward, E. J. Corey, and K. C. Nicolaou helped establish the field’s methods and ambitions. The discoveries continue to connect synthetic chemistry with biology and medicine.
Explore the basicsWhy this site exists
Interdisciplinary chemistry for everyone.
Total-Synthesis.com grew out of my passion for chemistry and my growing list of Total Synthesis videos ↗. The idea is to explain basic and advanced chemistry to students, chemistry nerds and and noobs.
Although organic chemistry is obviously the best branch of science (/s), we all need to understand natural sciences more broadly. Chemistry is most interesting when it connects across different fields! Organic chemists are already elitist enough, so my site / socials are a place for everyone (without pretending every piece of content is beginner-friendly…)
Thanks for your visit!