Constructing molecular complexity and diversity: total synthesis of natural products of biological and medicinal importance.

ABSTRACT: The advent of organic synthesis and the understanding of the molecule as they occurred in the nineteenth century and were refined in the twentieth century constitute two of the most profound scientific developments of all time. These discoveries set in motion a revolution that shaped the landscape of the molecular sciences and changed the world. Organic synthesis played a major role in this revolution through its ability to construct the molecules of the living world and others like them whose primary element is carbon. Although the early beginnings of organic synthesis came about serendipitously, organic chemists quickly recognized its potential and moved decisively to advance and exploit it in myriad ways for the benefit of mankind. Indeed, from the early days of the synthesis of urea an

SUBMITTER: Nicolaou KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3426871 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature