Natural products
The latest chemistry news and research on natural products, including their isolation, bioactivity, structure and biosynthesis, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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FeatureThe future of total synthesis
From structure confirmation to methodology improvements, making complex natural products has driven innovation in organic synthesis for decades. Nina Notman looks at its current state, with threats from funding to academic pressures
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OpinionExploring the potential uses of usnic acid
As well as protecting lichen, this compound could have medical and cosmetic applications – if toxicity concerns can be overcome
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ResearchMorphine analogues kill pain with fewer negative side effects
Redesign of the potent painkiller’s core prevents breathing suppression and reduces addiction-related behaviours in mice
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ResearchBoron building block assembles tetra-substituted alkenes like Lego
Powerful method offers control of stereochemistry to produce drugs and natural products
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NewsWhy does asparagus make my urine smell?
The chemistry of the organosulfur compounds that result in a fragrant toilet
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ResearchSkeletal editing targets double bonds
Two new techniques selectively install nitrogen atoms into complex molecules
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ResearchTotal synthesis of anti-addictive alkaloid in just seven steps
A streamlined synthesis of the psychoactive compound ibogaine could open up new opportunities in the treatment of drug addiction and depression
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Opinion(–)-Scabrolide B (again!)
Proverbially, comparison may not bring joy – but it can be educational
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OpinionA chemist in the flower garden
The beautifully complex molecules plants produce are as inspiring as the blooms themselves
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ResearchUnprecedented natural products uncovered in springtails
Highly hetero-substituted benzenes serve as chemical deterrents for species of insect-like creatures
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ResearchPhotochemistry sheds light on the direct functionalisation of native sugars
New radical reaction reduces the number of protection and deprotection steps needed, accelerating discovery of sugar compounds
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OpinionHarnessing biodiversity through natural products research in the Philippines
Collaborative projects aim to produce cheaper and more effective medicines
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ResearchSoapbark tree’s biosynthetic pathway for vaccine adjuvant saponins
Researchers use genome mining and bioengineering techniques to map out route
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ResearchStreamlined synthesis of quinine showcases sustainable organic strategy
Five pot synthesis delivers highest yield of antimalarial to date
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ResearchChirality-flipping reaction could completely change total synthesis strategies
Photocatalytic reaction that inverts configuration of chiral carbon centres offers new stereochemical editing logic
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ResearchControversy surrounds corrected chemical structures
Researchers used machine learning-powered NMR prediction to correct improbable structures – but some of their revisions have been challenged
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Feature50 years of artemisinin
Jamie Durrani tells the story of how a wonder drug against malaria was discovered from a plant in a secret Chinese military project
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ResearchClever carbene synthesis replaces notoriously hazardous chemistry
Reactive carbon compounds can now be made from aldehydes instead of explosive or unstable reagents
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BusinessSoapbark branches out to fill essential role in vaccine recipes
The soapbark tree has long been used in traditional medicines, but is now coveted for some of our newest vaccines