Editing Chemical synthesis (section)

==Strategies==
Chemical synthesis employs various strategies to achieve efficient, precise, and molecular transformations that are more complex than simply converting a [[reactant]] A to a reaction product B directly. These strategies can be grouped into approaches for managing reaction sequences.

'''Reaction Sequences:'''

Multistep synthesis involves sequential chemical reactions, each requiring its own work-up to isolate intermediates before proceeding to the next stage.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Carey |first1=Francis A. |title=Advanced Organic Chemistry Part B: Reactions and Synthesis |last2=Sundberg |first2=Richard J. |publisher=Springer |year=2013}}</ref> For example, the synthesis of [[paracetamol]] typically requires three separate reactions. [[Divergent synthesis]] starts with a common intermediate, which branches into multiple final products through distinct reaction pathways. [[Convergent synthesis]] synthesis involves the combination of multiple intermediates synthesized independently to create a complex final product. [[One-pot synthesis]] involves multiple reactions in the same vessel, allowing sequential transformations without intermediate isolation, reducing material loss, time, and the need for additional purification. [[Cascade reaction|Cascade reactions]], a specific type of one-pot synthesis, streamline the process further by enabling consecutive transformations within a single reactant, minimizing resource consumption

'''Catalytic Strategies:'''

Catalysts play a vital role in chemical synthesis by accelerating reactions and enabling specific transformations. [[Photoredox catalysis]] provides enhanced control over reaction conditions by regulating the activation of small molecules and the oxidation state of metal catalysts. [[Biocatalysis]] uses enzymes as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions with high specificity under mild conditions.

'''Reactivity Control:'''

[[Chemoselectivity]] ensures that a specific functional group in a molecule reacts while others remain unaffected. [[Protecting group|Protecting groups]] temporarily mask reactive sites to enable selective reactions. [[Kinetic control]] prioritizes reaction pathways that form products quickly, often yielding less stable compounds. In contrast, [[thermodynamic control]] favors the formation of the most stable products.

'''Advanced Planning and Techniques:'''

[[Retrosynthetic analysis]] is a strategy used to plan complex syntheses by breaking down the target molecule into simpler precursors. [[Flow chemistry]] is a continuous reaction method where reactants are pumped through a reactor, allowing precise control over reaction conditions and scalability. This approach has been employed in the large-scale production of pharmaceuticals such as [[Tamoxifen]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flow chemistry |url=https://www.vapourtec.com/flow-chemistry/#:~:text=Flow%20chemistry%20is%20also%20known,efficient%20manufacture%20of%20chemical%20products. |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Vapourtec |language=en}}</ref>