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July-August 2010 Volume 32 No The News Magazine of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) CHEMISTRY International July-August 2010 Volume 32 No. 4 Analogue-Based Drug Design Understanding Climate Change Chemistry 2.0 From the Editor CHEMISTRY International hile joking over our iconic “C” logo for the 2011 International Year The News Magazine of the International Union of Pure and Wof Chemistry, a friend of mine suggested that the “C” should be Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for Communication. “Yes,” I replied, and from there we went on debating the many communication challenges we all experience in our professional www.iupac.org/publications/ci and personal worlds. We agreed that most chemists are not at the forefront of exploiting Managing Editor: Fabienne Meyers communication opportunities readily available Production Editor: Chris Brouwer in the online world. Fortunately, we noted, Design: pubsimple there are “explorer chemists” out there who do adapt selected technologies, which then All correspondence to be addressed to: percolate into our world, bringing unforeseen Fabienne Meyers benefits to how we do things. It may be true IUPAC, c/o Department of Chemistry that other scientific communities embrace Boston University new tools much faster, but in the end, I am Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering sure we will get there. A new generation of chemists will undoubtedly 590 Commonwealth Ave. bring along new tools, some transferred from other social contexts. Boston, MA 02215, USA The discussion changed course when we realized that there are many folks, including specialists in communication, who are very inter- E-mail: [email protected] ested in the behavior of chemists and their challenges in communicat- Phone: +1 617 358 0410 ing. One key reference I recommend reading is a recent commentary Fax: +1 617 353 6466 titled “Communicating Chemistry” by Theresa Velden and Carl Lagoze, published in Nature Chemistry on 1 December 2009 (Vol 1, p. 673–678; Printed by: doi:10.1038/nchem.448), and the related white paper. Cadmus Communications, Easton, PA, USA Related to this topic, I was delighted by the suggestions from Javier Garcia-Martinez, one of our youngest members and an advocate of new Subscriptions communication opportunities. On page 4, he offers CI readers his views on Six issues of Chemistry International (ISSN 0193- Chemistry 2.0 and how new social networking tools can bring folks closer 6484) will be published bimonthly in 2010 (one to chemistry. Javier’s enthusiasm is palpable. He shares with us his favorite volume per annum) in January, March, May, July, sites and apps, and highlights the many educational opportunities. September, and November. The 2010 subscrip- To keep IUPAC moving forward, relevant, and sustainable in today’s tion rate is USD 110.00 for organizations and USD changing world, new voices and views are necessary. I believe it is impor- 50.00 for individuals. Subscription orders may be tant that we keep bringing into our community a wide range of expertise placed directly with the IUPAC Secretariat. Affiliate and folks with “outside the box” attitudes and ideas, and that we continue Members receive CI as part of their Membership to embrace global diversity. Since IUPAC functions through the hard subscription, and Members of IUPAC bodies receive work of dedicated volunteers worldwide, it is up to everyone to step in, CI free of charge. get engaged, and bring change. A perfect opportunity for involvement is upon us: IUPAC is requesting nominations for members of all divisions Reproduction of Articles and commissions (see p. 19 for details). This only happens once ever two Unless there is a footnote to the contrary, repro- years and meanwhile, for now, in an old fashioned way, you won’t find us duction or translation of articles in this issue is on Facebook, nor be able to follow us on Twitter. encouraged, provided that it is accompanied by a reference to the original in Chemistry International. Fabienne Meyers [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at Durham, NC 27709- www.iupac.org/publications/ci 9990 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chemistry International, IUPAC Secretariat, PO Box 13757, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3757, USA. The image depicted on the cover is a reproduction of the book cover from Analogue-based Drug Discovery—see feature on page 12; reproduced with permission from Wiley-VCH. ISSN 0193-6484 Contents CHEMISTRY International July-August 2010 Volume 32 No. 4 Past President’s Column by Jung-Il Jin 2 Features Chemistry 2.0: Creating Online Communities by Javier Garcia-Martinez 4 Perspectives on Chemistry and Global Climate Change by Fulvio Zecchini and Pietro Tundo 8 Teaching about the Role of Green Chemistry by Fulvio Zecchini et al. 8 Visualizing and Understanding the Science of Climate Change by Peter Mahaffy 11 Analogue-based Drug Discovery by Janos Fischer and C. Robin Ganellin 12 IUPAC Wire IUPAC Announces Winners of the 2010 IUPAC Prizes for Young Chemists 16 IUPAC and InChI Trust Agree Upon Conditions for Collaboration 16 Denis Hamilton to Receive the First International Award for Advances in Crop Protection Chemistry 18 Nominations Requested for Members of IUPAC Divisions and Commissions 19 The Project Place Structure, Processing, and Performance of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene 20 Young Ambassadors for Chemistry in Cyprus 21 Guidelines for Measurement of Luminescence Spectra and Quantum Yields of Inorganic Compounds, Metal Complexes, and Materials 21 Technical Guidelines for Isotope Abundances and Atomic Weight Measurements 22 Analytical Chemistry in Action by Brynn Hibbert, secretary of Division V 22 Terminology for Chain Polymerization 24 Provisional Recommendations IUPAC seeks your comments 25 Making an imPACt IUPAC/CITAC Guide: Selection and Use of Proficiency Testing Schemes for a Limited Number of Participants—Chemical Analytical Laboratories 26 The IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series: A Guide to Preparation and Use of Compilations and Evaluations 26 Electrochemical Nucleic Acid–Based Biosensors: Concepts, Terms, and Methodology 27 Stamps International, 3 Bookworm Japanese Versions of the IUPAC Red Book and Green Book Available 28 Nanotechnology for the Energy Challenge reviewed by Alan Smith 28 The Future of the Chemical Industry reviewed by Michael J. Droescher 29 Conference Call IUPAC–ACS Collaboration Summit by Katherine Bowman and Francisco Gomez 30 Environmental Best Practices by Maciej Góra 32 Advanced Polymeric Materials by Werner Mormann and Michael Hess 33 Heterocyclic Chemistry by Lisa McElwee-White 35 Where 2B & Y 36 Mark Your Calendar 38 Past President’s Column changes urged by the less patient reformist The IUPAC groups as the guardian of history and tradition, resist- Presidency—A Happy ing the temptation for hasty change as a democratic negotiator restraining himself Recollection from expressing his personal philosophy and by Jung-Il Jin opinions he importance and responsi- In a short time, I learned that the IUPAC president bility of the IUPAC presidency should maintain a relatively flexible stance whenever Tand the multiplicity of its func- he or she has to consider any controversy. A president tions are greater than one might with a charismatic personality and viewpoint can be imagine. Yet, these are rightfully less desirable than one with a practical mind. My own reflected in the status of its position. principle on taking any leadership position, regard- In my term as president, I was helped less of rank, is not simply to be satisfied by the honor and aided by a large group of capa- of being in the leader’s chair but, through diligent ble and dedicated people: members involvement and devotion, to do my best to elevate of the Executive Committee, Bureau, the position. and staff, as well as the IUPAC Officers. A tour of the IUPAC website <www.iupac.org> makes apparent the diversity of the Union’s services After assuming the office of president, it immedi- and operations—and the structural complexity of the ately became evident that frequent and effective com- organization. Then, there are the differing circum- munication among and between the various branches stances and opinions of the NAOs, the diversity of of IUPAC and its constituent members is essential opinions on various technical matters. These are made for the big machine of IUPAC to operate effectively. I more difficult by the inevitable communication barri- quickly became aware that communications between ers that exist in any large international organization. IUPAC and the NAOs and ANAOs needed significant The president’s term of office can make it stressful improvements. To this end, the Membership Relations to make progress and reach goals in his/her limited Committee was formed earlier within the Bureau and period of service. Fortunately, in my case at least, this already is functioning. Moreover, the Council Meetings, feeling disappeared relatively quickly because of the held every two years, do not provide sufficient oppor- good advice provided by the superior analytical minds tunity for sharing ideas and deep discussions among of the IUPAC officers and staff. Among them, the sec- IUPAC and NAO representatives. Such opportunities retary general and the executive director occupy the inevitably will help focus more of IUPAC’s and the most important and demanding positions. To keep NAOs’ attention to areas of mutual concern. the president constantly supplied with information, While the IUPAC presidency carries much pres- advice, and opinions, is only part of their jobs. tige, it also requires considerable work and effort to The wisdom of one’s predecessors is another invalu- respond to the opinions, and needs, of the local units. able asset for the president. But besides these, the Frequently, constituents would like to see IUPAC lead- president should keep his or her eyes and ears wide ership make faster decisions and take firm actions open might they miss any suggestions or complaints without delay.
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