Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Chlorination War Club




Ever wonder what kind of name is palau’amine?
Well yes… this alkaloid was isolated from a sea sponge native to the island nation of Palau.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Electrochemical Synthesis of Dixiamycins

Phil Baran upon learning about electrochemistry

UPDATE: Our paper was highlighted on Deadspin!
UPDATE 2: Support from the San Diego Chargers!

Our paper on the total synthesis of dixiamycin B is now live in the JACS ASAP section, which means it's my turn to write a blog post. When we initiated this project, we had no idea we'd turn to electrochemistry; we just thought making the N–N bond would be interesting. In fact, I remember it like it was yesterday...

[Professor enters from stage left]
Professor: How would you make this?!
Student: Probably from hydrazine.
Professor: That's not interesting!
[Professor exits stage left]