Organic Synthesis (A2 Only)
Chemistry: AQA A Level, topic 6.8.1
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.
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.
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.
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.
Improve synthesis
There are many ways to improve a synthetic pathway. This involves maximising the desired products and minimising the side products.
Performance of a synthesis
- The percentage return is the percentage ratio of the actual yield obtained to the calculated theoretical yield.
Maximize percentages
- We can optimise the percentage yield and the atom economy by:
- Selecting reactions without byproducts.
- Selecting synthetic routes with fewer steps.
Test yourself on Organic Synthesis (A2 Only)
How do we calculate the percentage return or yield of a reaction pathway?