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
-
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
-
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
-
ResearchBoron building block assembles tetra-substituted alkenes like Lego
Powerful method offers control of stereochemistry to produce drugs and natural products
-
NewsWhy does asparagus make my urine smell?
The chemistry of the organosulfur compounds that result in a fragrant toilet
-
ResearchSkeletal editing targets double bonds
Two new techniques selectively install nitrogen atoms into complex molecules
-
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
-
Opinion(–)-Scabrolide B (again!)
Proverbially, comparison may not bring joy – but it can be educational
-
-
OpinionA chemist in the flower garden
The beautifully complex molecules plants produce are as inspiring as the blooms themselves
-
ResearchUnprecedented natural products uncovered in springtails
Highly hetero-substituted benzenes serve as chemical deterrents for species of insect-like creatures
-
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
-
OpinionHarnessing biodiversity through natural products research in the Philippines
Collaborative projects aim to produce cheaper and more effective medicines
-
ResearchSoapbark tree’s biosynthetic pathway for vaccine adjuvant saponins
Researchers use genome mining and bioengineering techniques to map out route
-
ResearchStreamlined synthesis of quinine showcases sustainable organic strategy
Five pot synthesis delivers highest yield of antimalarial to date
-
ResearchChirality-flipping reaction could completely change total synthesis strategies
Photocatalytic reaction that inverts configuration of chiral carbon centres offers new stereochemical editing logic
-
ResearchControversy surrounds corrected chemical structures
Researchers used machine learning-powered NMR prediction to correct improbable structures – but some of their revisions have been challenged
-
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
-
ResearchClever carbene synthesis replaces notoriously hazardous chemistry
Reactive carbon compounds can now be made from aldehydes instead of explosive or unstable reagents
-
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
-
OpinionExit strategy
Overcoming a major setback showed Derek Lowe could make it through graduate school