Basic Chemistry for Life Science Students and Professionals

Book excerpt: Organic chemistry plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry. Knowledge of organic compounds is used to inform research and further the discovery and development of new medicines. Likewise, organic chemistry is fundamental to understanding biological reactions, mechanisms and all life sciences in general. Basic Chemistry for Life Science Students and Professionals is an ideal introduction to organic chemistry in the context of the life sciences and pharmacy related disciplines; utilising drug molecules to illustrate the chemical basis of their efficacy and interaction with biological targets. This book builds upon the basic concepts of organic chemistry to develop the reader’s understanding of the importance of organic chemistry to the life sciences from natural product sources, their synthesis, and approaches to drug discovery. Ideal for undergraduate students in the natural sciences, this book is also an excellent primer for postgraduates in a variety of disciplines including forensic science and allied-health programmes as well as professionals working in related fields seeking a comprehensive introduction to organic chemistry in the context of pharmaceuticals.