Chemists make 'impossible' molecules that break 100-year-old bonding rule
Briefly

For the first time, chemists have successfully synthesized anti-Bredt olefins (ABOs), a class of molecules previously considered too unstable to exist. This breakthrough could revolutionize drug development by allowing the generation of exotic compounds from these unusual molecules.
This work represents a significant leap in organic chemistry, where traditional rules have been challenged. The research not only demonstrates the feasibility of these anti-Bredt olefins but also opens new pathways for synthesizing complex drug candidates, indicating that our understanding of molecular stability may be more flexible than previously thought.
Despite being deemed forbidden by Bredt's rule for decades, recent experiments have showcased that we can indeed create these unstable molecules and utilize trapping agents to stabilize them momentarily, leading to practical applications in creating novel compounds that could have profound implications in medicinal chemistry.
Neil Garg emphasizes the importance of this research, stating, 'Still, 100 years later, people would say these types of structures are forbidden... But this study proves that innovation can often come from challenging long-held principles in science.'
Read at Nature
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