Cover Picture: Organocatalytic Domino Michael–Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction for the Synthesis of Optically Active 3‐Diethoxyphosphoryl‐2‐oxocyclohex‐3‐enecarboxylates (Chem. Eur. J. 13/2009)

Abstract

In Buddhist imagery the gestures of the hand are very significant, which reflects the themes of asymmetry and chirality (derived from the word “hand”) found in the Full Paper by K. A. Jørgensen et al. on page 3093 ff. The professor is shown as a Buddha‐like image and is gesturing down with one hand and making the Buddhist gesture for “method and wisdom” with the other. Dice tumbling from his hand represent the organocatalytic Michael–Knoevenagel condensation domino reaction discussed in the paper, with the front die representing the cyclohexenone center of the molecule being formed. The two students standing by are making Buddhist gestures for “accomplishment” and “meditation”. Artwork by cartoonist Jorge Cham, http://www.phdcomics.com.magnified image