A Brief Introduction to Organic Chemistry – FINAL EXAM

This is an example from a recent publication (Org. Lett. 2011, Article ASAP. DOI: 10.1021/ol201354k).

In short, if you mix 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutan-3-one (1) with sodium hydride in the presence or absence (sic!) of ethyl formate (2) and then perform an acid workup, you will [...]

Synthetic Remarks 2011, 1, 1-2.

Introduction

To address the longest-standing and most burning question in every aspect of our existence – is it under controlled conditions possible to really taste the difference between Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola? – we conducted the following experiment, in accordance with the highest standards of the scientific method.

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One year, one volume. Almost all journals use this widely accepted system. Tetrahedron included. Except for this small anomaly that just presented itself before my eyes. See screenshot below. Does anybody know why Volume 50 of Tetrahedron encompasses four whole calendar years? I smell a good story behind this. I expect you to enlighten [...]

On a semi-hypothetical basis, I emailed a couple of native English speaking friends to ask them what they thought the correct move would be in the following situation:

Let’s say I have discovered a new reaction. Let’s say no one else was involved. Let’s say that in my current position, I have no supervisor. [...]

I have heard that total synthesis is painstaking. Barry Trost should know; he seems to have devoted his life to master the art.

I have heard that getting a paper published in JACS is tough.

I assume that devising and performing a jaw-dropping total synthesis of enantiopure morphine, the [...]