ORGANIC SYNTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Organic synthesis is a branch of chemistry that involves the formation of complex organic compounds through chemical reactions. It is the science of designing and creating new molecules or compounds using various reactions and techniques. Organic synthesis is widely utilized in pharmaceutical, materials science, and biochemistry research.
The process of organic synthesis requires a thorough understanding of organic reactions, mechanisms, and reagents. It typically involves combining simple or readily available starting materials, known as reactants or substrates, to create desired target molecules, known as products. The reactions can be carried out under specific conditions, such as temperature, pressure, or with the aid of catalysts, to maximize the yield and selectivity of the desired product.
Organic synthesis techniques can range from basic reactions, such as acid-base reactions and oxidations, to more complex transformations, such as carbon-carbon bond formations and stereochemical control. It also encompasses the use of various tools and methods, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and computational chemistry, for characterization and analysis of the synthesized compounds.
The field of organic synthesis plays a crucial role in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs, agrochemicals, materials, and functional molecules. It enables chemists to construct molecules with specific properties or functions, leading to advancements in medicine, technology, and other areas of science. Organic synthesis also contributes to the understanding of chemical reactions and their mechanisms, aiding in the discovery of new synthetic methodologies.
Etymology of ORGANIC SYNTHESIS
The word "organic synthesis" can be broken down into its two components: "organic" and "synthesis".
The term "organic" stems from the Greek word "organikos", meaning "of or pertaining to an organ". In the context of chemistry, the term was initially used to describe compounds derived from living organisms. Over time, the definition expanded to include the study of carbon-based compounds.
The word "synthesis" originates from the Greek word "synthesis", which means "putting together" or "combination". It refers to the process of creating a compound by combining simpler substances or elements.
Therefore, "organic synthesis" refers to the branch of chemistry that involves the creation or preparation of complex organic compounds by combining simpler organic substances.
