syntesen

Syntesen is the process of creating a more complex chemical compound from simpler starting materials through controlled chemical reactions. It is a central concept in chemistry and can refer to organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, or biosynthesis. In practice, synthesis aims to build target molecules with specific structures and properties while managing yield, purity, and cost.

Historically, the term and practice emerged from alchemical traditions and developed into modern chemistry in the 19th century. A landmark moment is Friedrich Wöhler’s synthesis of urea in 1828, which demonstrated that organic compounds could be prepared from inorganic precursors. Since then, synthesis has expanded to include a wide range of techniques and scales, from laboratory experiments to industrial production.

Key aspects of synthesis include planning and retrosynthesis, where a target molecule is deconstructed into readily available starting materials. Reactions are chosen to achieve selectivity and high yields, while protecting groups, catalysts, and optimized conditions are used to control outcomes. Common reaction types encompass condensation, substitution, addition, oxidation–reduction, and cross-coupling reactions, as well as polymerization for macromolecules. Industrial synthesis often emphasizes scalability, cost efficiency, safety, and environmental impact, aligning with principles of green chemistry.

Biosynthesis refers to the production of complex molecules within living organisms through enzymatic pathways. Examples include amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis, and natural processes like photosynthesis and metabolite formation. Synthetische methods thus span both human-made chemical routes and biologically driven pathways, underpinning fields from pharmaceuticals to materials science.

Applications of synthesis range from drug development and materials fabrication to catalysts and agrochemicals, making it a foundational activity in science and industry.