Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, has been extensively studied for its biological and pharmacological properties. This review discusses the chemistry of curcumin, covering extraction methods, synthesis, degradation, and its interactions with metal ions. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric using various solvents and methods, with ethanol being the most preferred. It is synthesized through several chemical reactions, including the condensation of 2,4-diketones with aromatic aldehydes. Curcumin exhibits keto-enol tautomerism and has three acidic protons, which influence its reactivity and solubility. Curcumin reacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS), acting as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. It undergoes chemical degradation, particularly in basic conditions and under sunlight, producing various metabolites. Curcumin also participates in nucleophilic addition reactions with protein thiols and selenols, which may have implications for cellular redox balance. Curcumin forms stable complexes with various metal ions, including transition metals and rare earth elements. These complexes can act as antioxidants or pro-oxidants, depending on the metal and reaction conditions. Metal-curcumin complexes have shown potential in reducing metal-induced toxicity and have applications in cancer therapy and Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. New delivery systems, such as liposomes, polyethylene glycols, and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been developed to improve curcumin's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. These systems enhance curcumin's solubility, stability, and targeted delivery, making it more effective in treating chronic diseases. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in fully understanding curcumin's complex chemistry and its interactions with biological systems. Future research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of curcumin's biological activities and optimize its use in medicine.Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, has been extensively studied for its biological and pharmacological properties. This review discusses the chemistry of curcumin, covering extraction methods, synthesis, degradation, and its interactions with metal ions. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric using various solvents and methods, with ethanol being the most preferred. It is synthesized through several chemical reactions, including the condensation of 2,4-diketones with aromatic aldehydes. Curcumin exhibits keto-enol tautomerism and has three acidic protons, which influence its reactivity and solubility. Curcumin reacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS), acting as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. It undergoes chemical degradation, particularly in basic conditions and under sunlight, producing various metabolites. Curcumin also participates in nucleophilic addition reactions with protein thiols and selenols, which may have implications for cellular redox balance. Curcumin forms stable complexes with various metal ions, including transition metals and rare earth elements. These complexes can act as antioxidants or pro-oxidants, depending on the metal and reaction conditions. Metal-curcumin complexes have shown potential in reducing metal-induced toxicity and have applications in cancer therapy and Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. New delivery systems, such as liposomes, polyethylene glycols, and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been developed to improve curcumin's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. These systems enhance curcumin's solubility, stability, and targeted delivery, making it more effective in treating chronic diseases. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in fully understanding curcumin's complex chemistry and its interactions with biological systems. Future research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of curcumin's biological activities and optimize its use in medicine.