Chemists showcase power of pathbreaking method to make complex molecules

Chemists synthesized a highly complex natural molecule through a revolutionary strategy of functionalizing normally inert carbon-hydrogen (C-H) Ten of the steps involved in their synthesis of cylindrocyclophane A -- a natural compound with antimicrobial properties -- involved C-H reactions.

"It's by far the most complex natural product we have made using our method," says Huw Davies , Emory professor of chemistry.

The new catalysts streamlined the process of C-H functionalization by eliminating the need for introducing a directing group to target a specific.

Instead, the three -dimensional exteriors of the catalysts act like a lock and key.

The lock-and-key method also controls the 3D shape of the resulting molecules.

"The stunning result was worth the effort," Davies says.

"We want to continue leading this new era in organic synthesis," Davies says.

"We've had a tremendous impact on developing C-H functionalization as both an academic discipline and for industry applications," he says.

Science, 2024 ; 386 ( 6722 ): 641 .