The effects of heat and light on chemical reactions have long been known and un derstood. Ultrasound has been known to promote chemical reactions for the past 60 years, but despite this, it did not attract the attention of synthetic chemists until recently. This arose historically from early studies which concentrated almost exclu sively on reactions in aqueous media and was also, in some measure, due to the availability of suitable technology. Since the early 1980s a plethora of literature has appeared of direct interest to synthetic chemists and the field has been developing rapidly. The aim of this book is to bring the background of this fascinating field to the atten tion of a wider audience. It explores the literature to date and attempts to indicate other areas in which ultrasound may be exploited. It also hopes to explode some of the myths surrounding this area which have hitherto been regarded by the synthetic community as a bit of a black art! Existing books and reviews have tended to concentrate on the physics of sonochem istry and to catalogue the instances in which ultrasound has proved useful in tack ling synthetic problems. Our aim has been to stress the relevance of this technique to synthetic chemists and we have included a section which deals with the practical aspects of carrying out these reactions.

Total Synthesis of Bioactive Natural Products provides step-by-step guidelines for effectively synthesizing the most promising bioactive agents from a broad range of natural products. Beginning with a concise background that outlines the benefits and challenges faced in effective synthesis, the book goes on to provide individual outlines for approximately 100 of the most promising bioactive agents. Taking a logical, user-friendly approach, the systematic name, compound class, structure, natural source, pharmaceutical potential and synthetic routes for each structure are detailed, with clear illustrations throughout, making this book an essential and practical guide for anyone working with both synthesis and natural products. Provides individual outlines for the total synthesis of approximately 100 bioactive natural molecules Outlines each step of the process in detail, with full experimental information supported by extensive schemes Includes retrosynthetic analyses, reaction sequences and stereochemically crucial steps for each molecule

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

Ultrasonic irradiation and the associated sonochemical and sonophysical effects are complementary techniques for driving more efficient chemical reactions and yields. Sonochemistry-the chemical effects and applications of ultrasonic waves-and sustainable (green) chemistry both aim to use less hazardous chemicals and solvents, reduce energy consumpt

Explaining methods for carrying out chemical syntheses without the use of catalysts, this book shows how avoiding catalysts during synthesis can mean less use of toxic chemicals, environmentally damaging chemicals, or endangered elements, and lower costs.

Organic chemistry has played a vital role in the development of diverse molecules which are used in medicines, agrochemicals and polymers. Most ofthe chemicals are produced on an industrial scale. The industrial houses adopt a synthesis for a particular molecule which should be cost-effective. No attention is paid to avoid the release of harmful chemicals in the atmosphere, land and sea. During the past decade special emphasis has been made towards green synthesis which circumvents the above problems. Prof. V. K. Ahluwalia and Dr. M. Kidwai have made a sincere effort in this direction. This book discusses the basic principles of green chemistry incorporating the use of green reagents, green catalysts, phase transfer catalysis, green synthesis using microwaves, ultrasound and biocatalysis in detail. Special emphasis is given to liquid phase reactions and organic synthesis in the solid phase. I must congratulate both the authors for their pioneering efforts to write this book. Careful selection of various topics in the book will serve the rightful purpose for the chemistry community and the industrial houses at all levels. PROF. JAVED IQBAL, PhD, FNA Distinguished Research Scientist & Head Discovery Research Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.