14 Bioinspired organic chemistry

Abstract

Biological processes provide inspiration for creating new molecular systems as well as reinforcing the long standing challenge to reproduce similar processes through de novo designs—perhaps the best test of really understanding them completely. This article reviews the literature from 2004 in areas of organic chemistry that have been influenced by the form, function or methods found in biological systems. Long standing targets have been functional mimics of biological catalysis and recognition, but other aspects are also emerging, such as molecular motors and complex systems that can be controlled by chemical or physical input.