Dead ends and detours : direct ways to successful total synthesis / Miguel A. Sierra, María C. de la Torre ; with a foreword by K.C. Nicolaou.

Introduction : from the paper to the laboratory
Tuning-up, tactical and strategic changes
Working with models
The unexpected reactivity or inertia of common functional groups
The influence of remote substituents
The elusive side chain
The unpredictable stereochemistry
Reluctant ring closures.