Radical reactions play a large role in organic synthesis; however, chemists are often disappointed when they obtain poor yields. But, say Keith Ingold and colleagues, a judicious choice of solvent could be the solution, if you’ll pardon the pun.

In their Chem Soc Rev review, rated as ‘hot’ by the referees, the team focus on kinetic solvent effects that often have a dramatic effect on the yield of many radical-based organic syntheses.

Distinguishing the folklore from the facts, this review is essential reading for all students contemplating a career in synthetic organic chemistry (and no doubt many of their supervisors, who may have been perpetuating the myth).