Episode 38: Dr. Robert Bergman on the Bergman Cyclization and Organic Synthesis

Organic chemistry is art. Each chemical structure comes with a certain number of lines, a certain shape, a certain essence to it. How can we manipulate a chemical reaction to produce a useful product? How can we defy what chemistry claims to be incredibly hard and accomplish unique mechanisms? On this episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by KG Gude, hosts Olivia Lambertson and Jasmine Winter talk about their interview with Dr. Robert Bergman, the Gerald E. K. Branch Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at UC Berkeley with an Emeritus status. Elaborating on his work with the Bergman Cyclization and more, Dr. Bergman tells us about the motivations, results, and beauty behind organic chemistry. If you like to know more about Dr. Robert Bergman, you can reach him by email at rbergman@berkeley.edu.