For the Sake of Making Molecules.

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Synthetic Chemistry

Background:

• Academic research often follows a non-linear, emergent path.
• The development of scientific expertise can be serendipitous rather than strictly planned.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the often chaotic progression of research topics.
• To advocate for a more "anarchical" approach to academic research and training.

Main Methods:

• Review of personal research activities and their interconnections.
• Philosophical discussion on the nature of academic research and scientific training.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of research evolution from ferrocenyl ligands to asymmetric fluorination and perfluoroalkylation.
• Identification of a pattern of "chaotic" yet fruitful scientific exploration.

Conclusions:

• Academic research should embrace "anything goes" principles, resisting excessive "projectification" and "milestone mentality".
• An anarchical approach fosters better education and training for young researchers.