Postsynthesis

Postsynthesis refers to the set of operations that occur after the initial synthesis of a chemical compound, material, or biomolecule, with the aim of purification, characterization, and functional modification. The term is used across disciplines and is often synonymous with post-synthesis processing, post-synthesis functionalization, or post-synthetic modification.

In chemistry and materials science, postsynthesis processing includes purification methods such as chromatography, crystallization, distillation, and dialysis, followed by drying and solvent exchange. Post-synthesis steps may also include annealing, sintering, or doping to improve crystallinity, conductivity, or catalytic properties, as well as surface functionalization to tailor interactions with solvents or substrates.

In polymers and nanomaterials, post-synthesis functionalization attaches new functional groups or ligands to adjust solubility, biocompatibility, or assembly behavior. In biology, the term may appear when describing steps after synthesis and assembly of biomolecules, including purification and post-translational or post-assembly modifications, though precise terminology in biology often uses post-translational modification.

Verification and quality control are integral, employing spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy to confirm identity and purity. The practice enables property tuning and application readiness but can introduce losses or degradation if conditions are not carefully managed. Overall, postsynthesis is a broad concept describing the necessary follow-up steps that transform a synthesized entity into a usable, characterized, and application-ready material or molecule.