Molecular Rearrangements in Organic Synthesis

Among the most venerable reactions of modern organic chemistry, molecular rearrangements offer ways for the rapid assembly of synthetically challenging substructures within organic molecules and continue to be an active area of research. Current investigations have probed the development of catalysts for the promotion of rearrangement reactions and the use of rearrangements in the preparation organic compounds such as biologically active natural products and organic structures with highly strained frameworks.

Designed for practitioners of organic synthesis, Molecular Rearrangements in Organic Synthesis helps chemists understand and take advantage of rearrangement reactions to enhance the synthesis of useful chemical compounds. The book emphasizes ways that a given molecular rearrangement can be incorporated into synthetic planning and how that synthetic plan can be put into practice. Organic synthesis is construed broadly, including synthesis of natural products and medicinally important compounds and also preparation of organic compounds with unusual structures or high levels of strain and for use in physical organic chemical studies. Covering 20 different rearrangement reactions, the book includes instructive examples from the recent literature as well as methods for preparing the rearrangement precursors. In this way, the book is a useful handbook for applying rearrangements to the practice of synthetic organic chemistry.

Featuring contributions from leaders in the research and application of rearrangement reactions, the book represents a valuable reference and resource for anyone involved in the practice of organic chemistry and offers a number of benefits that include:

Ready access to the genesis, mechanisms, and synthetic utility of rearrangement reactions Guidance for organic chemists to understand and take advantage of rearrangements to enhance the synthesis of useful chemical compounds Discussion of applications for synthesizing useful compounds such as natural products, medicinal compounds, and organic compounds with unusual structures or high levels of strain and for use in physical organic chemical studies

Christian M. Rojas, PhD, is Professor of Chemistry at Barnard College. He obtained his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 1995 and did postdoctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and then at The Scripps Research Institute. Professor Rojas began his independent career at Barnard College in 1997. His research explores the use of acyl nitrenes for the synthesis of amino sugars.