Organic synthesis

Organic synthesis is the construction of organic molecules via chemical processes. Organic molecules can often contain a higher level of complexity compared to purely inorganic compounds, so the synthesis of organic compounds has developed into one of the most important aspects of organic chemistry. There are two main areas of research fields within the general area of organic synthesis- total synthesis and methodology.

Total synthesis

A total synthesis is the complete chemical synthesis of complex organic molecules from simple, commercially available (petrochemical) or natural precursors. In a linear synthesis there is a series of steps which are performed one after another until the molecule is made- this is often adequate for a simple structure. The chemical compounds made in each step are usually referred to as synthetic intermediates. For more complex molecules, a convergent synthesis is often preferred. This is where several "pieces" (key intermediates) of the final product are synthesized separately, then coupled together, often near the end of the synthesis.

Related Topics:
Total synthesis - Chemical synthesis - Organic - Molecule - Petrochemical - Natural - Convergent synthesis

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The "father" of modern organic synthesis is regarded as Robert B. Woodward, who received the 1965 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for several brilliant examples of total synthesis such as his 1954 synthesis of strychnine. One of the most active research groups today is that of Kyriacos Costa Nicolaou of the Scripps Research Institute.

Related Topics:
Robert B. Woodward - Nobel Prize for Chemistry - Strychnine - Kyriacos Costa Nicolaou - Scripps Research Institute

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