chemistrysyntes

Chemistry synthesis, or chemical synthesis, is the process of constructing complex chemical compounds from simpler starting materials through controlled chemical reactions. It is a central activity in organic, inorganic, and materials chemistry and underpins the creation of medicines, polymers, dyes, and agrochemicals. Synthesis often involves planning a sequence of steps, guided by retrosynthetic analysis, to assemble the target molecule from readily available precursors. Reactions are chosen for selectivity, efficiency, and compatibility with functional groups; protecting groups may be used to mask reactive sites during multi-step sequences. Key metrics include yield, purity, and stereochemical outcome, as well as scalability and cost.

There are several domains of synthesis: organic synthesis builds carbon-based frameworks; inorganic and organometallic synthesis creates metal-containing compounds; polymer synthesis forms macromolecules; and biocatalytic or biosynthetic methods use enzymes to form complex molecules. Industrial synthesis aims for large-scale production, improved atom economy, and reduced environmental impact, aligning with green chemistry principles.

Historically significant milestones include Wöhler's 1828 synthesis of urea, the development of total synthesis of natural products, and contemporary pharmaceutical and materials syntheses. Common themes include catalysis, control of selectivity, and the integration of analytical methods to verify structure and purity. Modern practice combines experimental execution with computational planning to optimize routes and minimize waste.