| Citation | Distinguished for his contributions to synthetic organic chemistry, embracing both valuable new synthetic methods and the total synthesis of complex macromolecules of biological importance. The former, which grew out of collaboration with Sir Derek Barton, includes the elegant use of organoselenium intermediates in controlled cyclisation reactions, leading to the most efficient synthesis of hirsutene, and a novel synthesis of lactones and lactams via tricarbonyliron complexes, including an entirely new route to beta-lactams. This last process has been applied to the ready preparation of several pharmaceutically important compounds. The large number of total syntheses of natural products completed over the last five years include the complex ionophore indamycin X14547A and the insect antifeedants ajugarin I, polygodial, and warburganal. Syntheses of azadirachtin, milbemycins and avermectins are well advanced. Ley is one of the most productive and original of our younger organic chemists. |