I've decided to start more actively reading current articles in respected journals do get a sense for the state of the field. To keep me honest, I've decided to start a "Book Club" of sorts, and everyone is invited! I will post a few articles each week that I deem worthy of reading, and then post my comments as to what I think about them. These articles are selected by me based on what is significant to my own research, suggestions from professors and colleagues, what seems to be popular subjects at the time, or whatever title sounds interesting. Undergraduates are encouraged to read these articles and post something new they have learned. More advanced persons should comment on the significance these articles have on the field of chemistry. Everyone is invited to suggest articles or topics that should be included in these lists. Hopefully by reading together, we can stay on top of things and learn more than we would have on our own.
I have chosen three articles from JACS to start us off with. (I'm assuming you are at an institution that allows you to have access to some of these journals.) Depending on how much time you have, choose one, two, or all three to read and comment on.
Rhodium-Catalyzed Tandem Annulation and (5 + 1) Cycloaddition: 3-Hydroxy-1,4-enyne as the 5-Carbon Component
A Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylation Approach to Acid Chloride Synthesis
A Highly Efficient and Enantioselective Intramolecular Cannizzaro Reaction under TOX/Cu(II) Catalysis
-Woodward
