Elements of synthesis planning

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Synthesis is fundamental to organic chemistry, enabling the study of compounds as drugs, materials, or for their physical properties through multistep synthetic sequences. The process begins with the target compound, which must be created from smaller, readily available building blocks. This raises crucial questions about the choice of building blocks, the sequence of reactions, and the specific methods to be employed. Nature efficiently produces complex “natural products” through reaction cascades, where combinations of modular enzymes transform starting compounds into target structures. The aspiration is to replicate this efficiency in synthetic processes, yet current methods require multiple discrete steps rather than a streamlined “one-pot” operation. Consequently, each synthesis must be planned individually and optimally. This planning considers specific requirements related to the target molecule's structure, while external factors such as cost, environmental impact, and novelty are not addressed here. Successful synthesis planning relies on a comprehensive understanding of reliable chemical reactions that can be executed with high yields, forming the basis for effective synthetic strategies.