Synthese

Synthese, or synthesis, is the act or result of combining separate elements to form a new, more complex whole. The term is used across disciplines with context-specific meanings, but the core idea remains the same: integration by union.

In chemistry, chemical synthesis refers to constructing complex molecules from simpler starting materials through planned reaction sequences. Synthesis design considers reactivity, selectivity, yield, and purification. Successful syntheses often involve protecting groups, catalysts, and controlled conditions, and the resulting compounds may be characterized by spectroscopic methods.

In biology, synthesis most often refers to biosynthetic processes, especially protein synthesis. Gene expression involves transcription of DNA into RNA and translation of RNA into polypeptides on ribosomes. Biological synthesis also covers the assembly of nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and other macromolecules from basic building blocks.

In philosophy, dialectical synthesis denotes the resolution of opposing ideas into a higher unity, a concept associated with Hegel and later thinkers. In linguistics, synthesis can describe how languages form words or sentences by combining morphemes, and it is contrasted with analytic languages that rely more on word order and auxiliary words.

In technology, sound synthesis creates audible timbres from electronic oscillators or software; synthetic data generation creates artificial data sets for testing, training, or privacy protection. The term is also used in materials science and engineering to describe the construction of new materials by combining constituent components.