Synthetisability

Synthetisability refers to the ease with which a substance can be created or manufactured through artificial means, rather than being derived from natural sources. In chemistry, this concept is fundamental to the development of new materials, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. A highly synthetisable compound is one for which efficient and cost-effective synthetic routes have been established, often involving readily available starting materials and straightforward reaction conditions. Conversely, compounds that are difficult to synthetise may require complex multi-step processes, specialized equipment, or rare precursors, making their production challenging and expensive.

The concept extends beyond pure chemistry into fields like economics and product design. In economics, the synthetisability of a product can influence its market price and availability. If a product can be easily and cheaply synthesised, it is likely to be more accessible. In product design, understanding the synthetisability of components is crucial for manufacturing feasibility. Engineers and designers must consider whether the materials and shapes they envision can be practically and economically produced. The opposite of synthetisability is often "naturalness" or "occurrence," referring to substances that are found in nature and may not have readily available or economically viable synthetic counterparts.