Despite its low cost and low toxicity, bismuth has found limited applications in organic synthesis. Liam Ball is working to change that. ‘ Bismuth has had its ups and downs over the decades – a bit like the economy,’ says Liam Ball. But while the global economy is floundering at best, organobismuth chemistry is very much on the up and Ball’s research exemplifies this progress. Earlier this year, Ball was named the chemistry laureate at the 2025 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK, in recognition of his contributions to the safe and sustainable synthesis of molecules vital to healthcare and agriculture.
Reviving Organobismuth Chemistry
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