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Nature 446, 383-385 (22 March 2007) | doi:10.1038/446383a; Published online 21 March 2007
Organic chemistry: Synthesis undressed
John A. Porco, Jr1
Abstract
Fragile chemical groups can be shielded from harsh reaction conditions by temporary protection. This approach is conventional wisdom for organic synthesis, but is it always the best solution?
Ask any organic chemist about their worst nightmare, and they'll probably give you the same answer: not being able to remove 'protecting groups'. These handy chemical groups are used to safeguard parts of a molecule that would otherwise be destroyed under the reaction conditions of a synthesis.
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