synthesissubstances

Synthesissubstances is a term used to describe chemical substances produced primarily through synthetic chemical processes rather than extraction from natural sources. In modern practice, most chemicals used in medicine, industry, and consumer products are synthetic or at least partially synthetic, produced by controlled laboratory or industrial syntheses. The scope includes a wide range of materials, such as pharmaceutical drugs, polymers, dyes, flavors and fragrances, agrochemicals, and advanced materials used in electronics and energy storage. It contrasts with naturally occurring substances obtained by isolation from plants, animals, or minerals.

In pharmaceuticals, synthetic routes can offer advantages in purity, reproducibility, and scalability, though they may also raise concerns about environmental impact and process safety. The history of synthesis spans from early dyes to modern pharmaceutical and materials chemistry, with key milestones in the 19th and 20th centuries enabling large-scale production of countless synthetic compounds.

Regulation and safety cover the identification, purity, potency, and control of impurities, especially for substances intended for human use. Manufacturing follows quality standards such as GMP, and environmental and occupational risk assessments are common. Ongoing industry and regulatory efforts emphasize green chemistry, process efficiency, and life-cycle assessment to reduce waste and energy use.

Related topics include synthetic chemistry, natural products, drug synthesis, and green chemistry.