Organic Synthesis Workbook II

Book excerpt: Regular practice makes perfect - and this is equally true of organic synthesis. Only the numerous and constantly new little tricks and tips make for elegant synthesis. Knowledge of synthesis methods, reactivities, reagents, protective groups and much more is best acquired - and retained - by way of detailed analysis and processing of complex synthesis paths. This workbook allows students to easily test and strengthen their own chemical repertoire by way of sixteen new syntheses, including tricycles, macrolides, terpenes, and alkaloids. It follows the tried-and-tested concept used in the first volume, although each volume can be read independently of the other. It briefly describes all the target molecules and the relevant synthesis tasks, before going on to classify them into smaller sub-problems that may be solved by the reader using tips given in varying detail. In this way, readers can define the degree of difficulty for themselves. The solution section with comments and a comprehensive discussion of the key steps in reaction sequences and their actual application allows a simple check of the student's own strategy. An appendix with references to original syntheses and further literature rounds off the whole. Whether prior to an examination, for preparing seminars or for ideas in looking for synthesis strategies, every organic chemist - practicing and ongoing - will profit from reading this workbook.