Organic Synthesis

Overview

Organic synthesis involves creating complex organic compounds from simpler substances.
It is a crucial part of organic chemistry, enabling the development of new compounds with desired properties.

A tool to browse synthetic transformations by the desired bond formation.
Offers a graphical index with various options and links to help generate new ideas.
Encourages direct site search if the desired reaction is not found.

Purpose: To develop a synthesis for a specific molecule with desired properties, like a natural compound with activity against a disease.
Process:
- Retrosynthesis: Breaking down target molecule into smaller, commercially available building blocks.
- Forward Synthesis: Building the target molecule from these building blocks.
Approaches:
- Linear Synthesis: Sequential steps; bottlenecks can force a return to the start.
- Convergent Synthesis: Multiple branches, reducing the risk of total failure.
Strategy: Experienced chemists perform initial reactions on a larger scale to optimize steps if needed.

Purpose: To explore a wide chemical space by using versatile functional groups and broad substrate reactions.
Characteristics:
- Generates libraries with different properties, ring sizes, and 3D configurations.
- Often follows a combinatorial chemistry approach.
- Screens for various properties like drug activities.
Outcomes:
- Lead compounds identified based on interesting properties.
- Parallel synthesis of variations to study structure-activity relationships (SAR).
- New lead compounds emerge from active variations.

The site provides resources to aid in the synthesis process, including an organic synthesis search tool and various educational materials.