Aryl halides*1) with a benzene ring directly bonded to a halogen atom are readily available and chemically stable, so they are used as a source of benzene rings in organic synthesis. For example, a ...

Unactivated alkanes are difficult to functionalize, and most catalysts that derivatize them by opening hydrocarbon C–H bonds are based on precious transition metals. Researchers have now developed a ...

Esters are usually synthesized from an alcohol and an acid, most frequently, a carboxylic acid. In some cases, an epoxide is used instead of the alcohol; or an acid halide or anhydride replaces the ...

Biochemists may soon find themselves reaching for palladium reagents—chemicals once thought to be exclusively used in organic synthesis—to couple small molecules, such as drugs, onto proteins.