Maria C. de la Torre

Success comes in many forms and in synthesis it can be a failure that results in their ultimate successful solutions. This long-awaited sequel to "Dead Ends and Detours" retains the proven concept while featuring over 20 new case studies of failed strategies and their (successful) solutions in natural product total synthesis. Additionally, computational models are used to discuss the problem in much more detail and to provide readers with additional information not found in the primary literature. The topics range from classic synthetic reactions (e.g. Diels Alder reaction), metal-mediated coupling reactions, metathesis, and asymmetric catalysis to the importance of protecting and activating groups. This book will benefit not only graduate students in organic chemistry but also advanced researchers as they gain knowledge derived from the step-by-step analysis of mistakes made in the past and, thus be able to improve their own chemical reaction planning. With its coverage of the most commonly applied reaction types, the book perfectly complements its predecessor, which focuses on general aspects, such as reactivity and selectivity.

A plethora of publications provide valuable information for the organic chemist, yet the results are almost always based on successful reactions. However, a chemist's life is unfortunately not that easy. On the contrary, trial and error is still one of the most commonly used methods. Thus it would be useful to have access to those syntheses that do not work, since they also provide important results of great importance for further synthesis. This long-awaited book by M. A. Sierra and M. C. de la Torre fills just such a gap. Using major total syntheses they explain the most varied problems and recommend ways out of such dilemmas: Problems at the start and end of a synthesis, difficult and unexpected reactivities of functional groups, problems due to steric properties and much more. The result is a true wealth of information for any organic chemist. The essential tool for successful total synthesis.