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Concept
Retrosynthetic analysis
Summary
Retrosynthetic analysis is a technique for solving problems in the planning of organic syntheses. This is achieved by transforming a target molecule into simpler precursor structures regardless of any potential reactivity/interaction with reagents. Each precursor material is examined using the same method. This procedure is repeated until simple or commercially available structures are reached. These simpler/commercially available compounds can be used to form a synthesis of the target molecule. E.J. Corey formalized this concept in his book The Logic of Chemical Synthesis.
The power of retrosynthetic analysis becomes evident in the design of a synthesis. The goal of retrosynthetic analysis is a structural simplification. Often, a synthesis will have more than one possible synthetic route. Retrosynthesis is well suited for discovering different synthetic routes and comparing them in a logical and straightforward fashion. A database may be consulted at each stage of the analysis, to determine whether a component already exists in the literature. In that case, no further exploration of that compound would be required. If that compound exists, it can be a jumping point for further steps developed to reach a synthesis.
Disconnection A retrosynthetic step involving the breaking of a bond to form two (or more) synthons.
Retron A minimal molecular substructure that enables certain transformations.
Retrosynthetic tree A directed acyclic graph of several (or all) possible retrosyntheses of a single target.
Synthon A fragment of a compound that assists in the formation of a synthesis, derived from that target molecule. A synthon and the corresponding commercially available synthetic equivalent are shown below:
Target The desired final compound.
Transform The reverse of a synthetic reaction; the formation of starting materials from a single product.
Shown below is a retrosynthetic analysis of phenylacetic acid:
In planning the synthesis, two synthons are identified. A nucleophilic "-COOH" group, and an electrophilic "PhCH2+" group.
Official source
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