retrosynteesiin

Retrosynthesis, also known as retrosynthetic analysis, is a method of planning organic synthesis. It involves working backward from the target molecule to simpler, readily available starting materials. The process begins by identifying a key bond disconnection that simplifies the target molecule into two or more precursor fragments. These precursors are then analyzed for further disconnections, and this process is repeated until the fragments are common and inexpensive commercial chemicals or easily synthesized compounds.

The core concept of retrosynthesis was developed by E.J. Corey, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1990 for his contributions to the development of the theory and methodology of organic synthesis, including retrosynthetic analysis. This approach is crucial for designing efficient and practical routes to complex organic molecules, as it allows chemists to anticipate potential challenges and select optimal reaction pathways.

In practice, retrosynthesis involves the use of "transformations," which are idealized reverse reactions. For each disconnection, a corresponding synthetic transformation is proposed that would form the target bond. The key is to ensure that these proposed transformations are chemically feasible and can be achieved using known reactions. The goal is to identify a set of transformations that leads back to commercially available starting materials in a minimal number of steps. This strategic approach helps to minimize waste, reduce costs, and maximize the yield of the desired product.