In this episode we interview Jake Yeston, who is Science's editor for physical sciences research. 

In this episode we discuss the total synthesis of (+)-perseanol reported by the Reisman lab. The route proceeds in 16 steps and takes advantage of a convergent fragment coupling strategy. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1580-x

In this episode we interview the authors of a new paper on catalyst-controlled silver-catalysed nitrene transfer. By changing the ligand on silver the catalyst selectively functionalizes beta or gamma C-H bonds to form amino alcohols. Link: https://rdcu.be/bQGsf

In this episode we analyze a new paper from the Denton lab where they report a redox-neutral organocatalytic Mitsunobu reaction eliminating the need for stoichiometric, hazardous reagents.  

DOI: 10.1126/science.aax3353

In this episode we analyze a set of papers from the Ritter lab where they describe a new methodology for highly selective C–H functionalization reactions. Using thianthrenium salts as a synthetic linchpin, the Ritter lab demonstrates para selective amination, trifluoromethylation, and C–C cross-coupling reactions each in an effective two-step synthesis.

In this episode we analyze a paper from the Lambert lab where they report a new catalyst which upon electrochemical oxidation and photochemical excitation becomes a potent oxidant. The authors apply this strategy to coupling arenes and nitrogen heterocycles. 

DOI: 10.1002/anie.201906381

In this episode we analyze the total synthesis of arcutinidine developed by the Li lab and compare it to recent syntheses completed by the Sarpong and Qin labs. 

In this episode we discuss a new paper from the Schoenebeck lab where they report a new method to couple aryl iodides and chiral phosphorothioate salts using Pd(I) dimer catalysis. 

In this episode we analyze a new paper from the Kwon lab where they report a deconstructive strategy to access chiral synthetic intermediates starting from terpene and terpenoid derived precursors.

DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw4212

In this episode we discuss a recent report from the Leonori lab on a new method for carbon-nitrogen bond formation by direct reaction of arenes and alkyl amines using photocatalysis. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-019-0254-5