COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY Meaning and
Definition
-
Combinatorial chemistry is a scientific discipline that focuses on the rapid synthesis and analysis of large numbers of structurally diverse compounds. It involves the systematic and automated generation of chemical libraries, each of which consists of a unique set of compounds designed to explore chemical space and identify new molecules with desired properties.
The fundamental principle behind combinatorial chemistry is the idea that by synthesizing and screening a large number of diverse compounds in parallel, it is possible to increase the chances of finding compounds with desired activities. This approach greatly accelerates the drug discovery process, enabling the exploration of a vast number of compounds in a short period of time.
Combinatorial chemistry often employs solid-phase synthesis techniques, which allow for the simultaneous assembly of multiple compounds in a stepwise manner. This method enables rapid synthesis and purification of compounds, making it highly efficient for generating large chemical libraries. Additionally, high-throughput screening techniques are used to test the resulting compounds for their biological or physicochemical properties.
The applications of combinatorial chemistry extend beyond drug discovery and include materials science, agrochemical research, and catalysis development, among others. By providing access to a diverse range of chemical structures, combinatorial chemistry has become an indispensable tool for accelerating the discovery and development of new and improved compounds in various scientific disciplines.
Etymology of COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY
The word "combinatorial" derives from the Latin word "combinare", meaning "to combine". It entered the English language in the early 17th century, denoting the action of joining or uniting separate parts to form a whole.
The term "combinatorial chemistry" is a combination of "combinatorial" and "chemistry". "Chemistry" is rooted in the Greek word "khemeia", which originally referred to the art of transmuting base metals into gold. Over time, it evolved to encompass the study of substances, elements, and their transformations.
Therefore, "combinatorial chemistry" refers to the application of combinatorial techniques and methodologies in the field of chemistry. It involves the synthesis and screening of large libraries of diverse chemical compounds to identify or discover new drugs, materials, or catalysts.
