25 Years of Click Chemistry: From Skepticism to Nobel Prize
This article from Nature commemorates the 25th anniversary of click chemistry, a revolutionary concept in chemical synthesis first introduced in 2001 by H. C. Kolb, M. G. Finn, and K. Barry Sharpless. Initially dismissed by some critics as merely a gimmick, click chemistry has since transformed numerous scientific disciplines. The methodology involves highly efficient and specific reactions that join molecules together in solution without generating unwanted by-products. Originally developed to accelerate the synthesis of pharmaceutical candidates, its applications have expanded significantly to include biology, engineering, and materials science. The profound impact of this innovation was recognized globally when K. Barry Sharpless was awarded a share of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The review highlights how this tool has become indispensable for researchers, facilitating advancements in drug discovery and chemical biology. By enabling precise molecular construction, click chemistry has bridged gaps between organic chemistry and practical applications in health and technology, marking a quarter-century of sustained scientific progress and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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25 Years of Click Chemistry: From Skepticism to Nobel Prize
This article from Nature commemorates the 25th anniversary of click chemistry, a revolutionary concept in chemical synthesis first introduced in 2001 by H. C. Kolb, M. G. Finn, and K. Barry Sharpless. Initially dismissed by some critics as merely a gimmick, click chemistry has since transformed numerous scientific disciplines. The methodology involves highly efficient and specific reactions that join molecules together in solution without generating unwanted by-products. Originally developed to accelerate the synthesis of pharmaceutical candidates, its applications have expanded significantly to include biology, engineering, and materials science. The profound impact of this innovation was recognized globally when K. Barry Sharpless was awarded a share of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The review highlights how this tool has become indispensable for researchers, facilitating advancements in drug discovery and chemical biology. By enabling precise molecular construction, click chemistry has bridged gaps between organic chemistry and practical applications in health and technology, marking a quarter-century of sustained scientific progress and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Nature