Thomas Wirth

Bio: Thomas Wirth is an academic researcher from Cardiff University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hypervalent molecule & Electrophile. The author has an hindex of 63, co-authored 367 publications receiving 12180 citations. Previous affiliations of Thomas Wirth include Siberian State Medical University & Albion College.

Hypervalent iodine chemistry in synthesis: scope and new directions.

Abstract: The impressive development of hypervalent iodine chemistry in recent years is reflected by the number of publications in this area. Although the synthesis of the first hypervalent iodine compound dates back more than 100 years, the investigation of the reactivities of these compounds and their efficient use as metal-free reagents in organic synthesis is still ongoing. This contribution summarizes recent achievements and highlights key findings and developments that will influence future research and lead to novel applications of hypervalent iodine reagents in synthesis.

Green Chemistry with Selenium Reagents: Development of Efficient Catalytic Reactions

Abstract: Selenium goes green! Recent advances in organoselenium chemistry clearly demonstrate that selenium-based catalysts can be used conveniently in a series of functional group transformations. Organoselenium compounds are promising “green catalysts” as they can transfer oxygen from environmentally friendly oxidants such as H2O2.

Advanced organic synthesis using microreactor technology

Abstract: Organic synthesis in microreactors is a novel way of performing reactions in a highly controlled way. The benefits of microreactors result from their physical properties, such as enhanced mass and heat transfer as well as regular flow profiles leading to improved yields with increased selectivities.

Synthetic Organic Electrochemical Methods Since 2000: On the Verge of a Renaissance

Abstract: Electrochemistry represents one of the most intimate ways of interacting with molecules. This review discusses advances in synthetic organic electrochemistry since 2000. Enabling methods and synthetic applications are analyzed alongside innate advantages as well as future challenges of electroorganic chemistry.

Introduction of Fluorine and Fluorine-Containing Functional Groups

Abstract: Over the past decade, the most significant, conceptual advances in the field of fluorination were enabled most prominently by organo- and transition-metal catalysis. The most challenging transformation remains the formation of the parent C-F bond, primarily as a consequence of the high hydration energy of fluoride, strong metal-fluorine bonds, and highly polarized bonds to fluorine. Most fluorination reactions still lack generality, predictability, and cost-efficiency. Despite all current limitations, modern fluorination methods have made fluorinated molecules more readily available than ever before and have begun to have an impact on research areas that do not require large amounts of material, such as drug discovery and positron emission tomography. This Review gives a brief summary of conventional fluorination reactions, including those reactions that introduce fluorinated functional groups, and focuses on modern developments in the field.

Organic Azides: An Exploding Diversity of a Unique Class of Compounds

Abstract: Since the discovery of organic azides by Peter Griess more than 140 years ago, numerous syntheses of these energy-rich molecules have been developed. In more recent times in particular, completely new perspectives have been developed for their use in peptide chemistry, combinatorial chemistry, and heterocyclic synthesis. Organic azides have assumed an important position at the interface between chemistry, biology, medicine, and materials science. In this Review, the fundamental characteristics of azide chemistry and current developments are presented. The focus will be placed on cycloadditions (Huisgen reaction), aza ylide chemistry, and the synthesis of heterocycles. Further reactions such as the aza-Wittig reaction, the Sundberg rearrangement, the Staudinger ligation, the Boyer and Boyer-Aube rearrangements, the Curtius rearrangement, the Schmidt rearrangement, and the Hemetsberger rearrangement bear witness to the versatility of modern azide chemistry.

Cascade reactions in total synthesis.

Abstract: The design and implementation of cascade reactions is a challenging facet of organic chemistry, yet one that can impart striking novelty, elegance, and efficiency to synthetic strategies. The application of cascade reactions to natural products synthesis represents a particularly demanding task, but the results can be both stunning and instructive. This Review highlights selected examples of cascade reactions in total synthesis, with particular emphasis on recent applications therein. The examples discussed herein illustrate the power of these processes in the construction of complex molecules and underscore their future potential in chemical synthesis.

The Medicinal Chemist's Toolbox: An Analysis of Reactions Used in the Pursuit of Drug Candidates

Abstract: The Medicinal Chemist’s Toolbox: An Analysis of Reactions Used in the Pursuit of Drug Candidates