Reading Club - Review of Ange. Chem. Int. Ed. Volume 53, Issue 4

Let's review last week's articles:

Synthesis of the C18-Norditerpenoid Alkaloid Neofinaconitine: A Lesson in Convergent Synthesis Planning
This article is a highlight of a synthesis of what appears to be a very complex molecule, neofinaconitine. I encourage you to look at the schemes that are presented, as they will give you a good idea of what's going on. The group generated a the complex base of the molecule through some Diels-Alder reactions, and used some very neat chemistry to complete the remainder of the structure. They close with, "The development of a successful synthetic strategy, in combination with previous achievements by other groups, has enabled the completion of this efficient and elegant total synthesis, which represents another example of the never ceasing advancement of synthetic organic chemistry." (emphasis added) Does this truly constitute an elegant synthesis? Let me know in the comments.

Short and Sweet: D-Glucose to L-Glucose and L-Glucuronic Acid
This is primarily a synthesis article, and much of the text is given to explanations of reactions and conditions. You are encouraged to look at the schemes and familiarize yourself with new terms. What should be noted is the result. The group was able to cheaply and relatively efficiently produce L-glucose from D-glucose. L-glucose is not readily available but could have biological properties and is therefore sought after. The Jenkinson group was able to use synthetic chemistry to solve a problem in a new way, and should be inspiring to young organic chemists.

Neurotrophic Natural Products: Chemistry and Biology
This review article is a lengthy discussion of neural diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's, their molecular causes, and other areas of interest. I will not go into deep discussion here, but I do feel it necessary to say that this review represents a great jumping off point for future research ideas. As an undergraduate, it is healthy to look into areas where chemistry is being applied and come up with your own hypothesis and think about what direction you would take this field into. This article specifically mentions neurotrophins or neural growth factors, small molecule design, and the potential for chemistry to aid in the mapping of the human brain.

Your assignment for next week is Organic Letters, Volume 16, Issue 2

Smooth Isoindolinone Formation from Isopropyl Carbamates via Bischler–Napieralski-Type Cyclization

Total Synthesis of Heronapyrrole C

A Novel Approach for C–C, C–N, and C–O Bond Formation Reactions: A Facile Synthesis of Benzophenazine, Quinoxaline, and Phenoxazine Derivatives via Ring Opening of Benzoxepines

Give them a read and we will discuss our findings next week.