Organic synthesis

Organic synthesis is a special branch of chemical synthesis dealing with the construction of organic compounds via organic reactions. Organic molecules can contain a wide variety of atoms, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, and many others. The development of organic synthesis is largely due to the work of chemists in the 19th century who developed the theory of chemical structure.

History

The history of organic synthesis dates back to the early 19th century with the work of chemists like Justus von Liebig and August Kekulé. The concept of chemical structure was developed during this time, which laid the foundation for understanding the nature of organic compounds.

Principles

The principles of organic synthesis involve the use of various chemical reactions to construct complex organic molecules from simpler ones. These reactions can involve the addition, elimination, substitution, or rearrangement of atoms within the molecule.

Techniques

There are many techniques used in organic synthesis, including condensation reactions, addition reactions, elimination reactions, and substitution reactions. These techniques can be used in combination to create complex organic molecules with a wide variety of structures and functions.

Applications

Organic synthesis has many applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and materials science. For example, it is used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, and polymers.

See also

• Chemical synthesis
• Organic reaction
• Organic compound
• Chemical structure