Chemical Synthesis: Gnosis to Prognosis

This volume demonstrates that chemical synthesis is fully undeserving of the label `mature science'. Although chemists are increasingly able to provide some solutions in the construction of natural and biologically active products, synthesis is facing formidable challenges in the emerging areas of bioorganic chemistry, molecular biology, materials science and polymer science. This unique book presents the lectures and discussions of an outstanding group of such interdisciplinary scientists. Unperturbed by excessive structure and time constraints, the group talked about the current status of their areas (gnosis) and mused on their future directions (prognosis). Individual lectures and panels led naturally to questions and discussion, expression of alternative points of view, and thought provoking suggestions. To the chemist who is increasingly aware of the breakdown of barriers in chemistry, biology and materials science, this book is a source of provocative thought and an arrow pointing to the central role of synthesis in the way chemistry impinges on scientific activity.