Colchicine total synthesis embraces electrochemistry
By 
Irene Sanchez Molina2026-09-22T08:12:00
Route highlights how electrosynthesis, and to a lesser extent mechanochemistry, are becoming increasingly important to the synthetic chemist’s toolbox
A new total synthesis of (+)-colchicine epitomises how green chemistry tools are becoming mainstream strategies for building complex molecules.1 While the route has slightly more steps and a lower yield than the best one previously reported, it relies on electrochemistry and other sustainable methods instead of hazardous chemicals and transition metals.