To Couple or Not to Couple: Bardic Inspiration in Organic Reactions

Abstract: Inspired by the emerging field of echocatalysis and an abiding respect for Dungeons & Dragons lore, we investigated the potential for "Bardic Inspiration" to influence chemical reactivity in coupling reactions. Reaction yields and conversion rates varied significantly between genres, with romantic texts producing the highest yields and tragic texts prompting product decomposition, particularly in the presence of love-interest suicides. Homo-coupling studies revealed that compound XX is romantically self-sufficient, while hexylmagnesium bromide remains chemically aloof. Our findings suggest that not only do words have power, but molecules may be more emotionally sensitive than previously assumed. Bardic Inspiration thus emerges as a promising, if entirely irrational, tool in synthetic chemistry.