3.10.2

Organic Synthesis

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Introduction to Synthesis

For organic synthesis, chemists must map out a route of reactions that will lead to the desired product and start from the starting materials.

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Organic synthesis

  • If we want to synthesize a molecule, we must find reaction routes that will allow us to convert starting materials into the desired product.
  • After finding possible synthesis routes, we must make sure the route is the best it can be by considering:
    • Effect on the environment.
    • Type of solvent used.
    • Percentage yield.
    • Percentage atom economy.
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Steps in synthesis

  • Each synthetic route is made up of a series of reaction steps.
  • Each reaction step typically involves:
    • Carrying out the reaction.
    • Separating the desired product.
    • Purifying the desired product.
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Importance

  • Creating synthetic routes is incredibly important in science.
  • It helps us design and produce medicines.
    • It also helps us reduce the waste and the hazards whilst producing such chemicals.

Improving Synthesis

There are many ways in which we can make a synthetic route better. This involves maximising the desired products and minimising the side products.

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Type of solvent

  • The type of solvent used is very important.
  • Where possible, it is ideal to have solvent-free reactions or reactions that are carried out in water.
    • If we reduce the use of solvents, it will reduce both the possible hazards and the wastage.
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Percentage yield

  • The percentage yield is the ratio percentage of the actual yield obtained compared to the theoretical yield from calculations.
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Percentage atom economy

  • The percentage atom economy is the percentage of reactant atoms that are transformed into the desired product.
    • E.g. if all the reactants are used to make one desired product, with no side-products or bi-products in the equation, the atom economy is 100%.
    • As soon as there are waste products in the equation, the atom economy decreases.
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Maximising percentages

  • We can optimise the percentage yield and atom economy through:
    • Selecting reactions with no bi-products.
    • Selecting synthetic routes with fewer steps.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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