One approach to organic synthesis is retrosynthetic analysis. With
this approach a chemist will start with the structure of their
target molecule and progressively cut bonds to create simpler
molecules. Reversing this process gives a synthetic route to the
target molecule from simpler starting materials. This
"disconnection" approach to synthesis is now a
fundamental part of every organic synthesis course.
Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach,
2nd Edition introduces this important technique,
to help students to design their own organic syntheses. There are
forty chapters: those on the synthesis of given types of molecules
alternate with strategy chapters in which the methods just learnt
are placed in a wider context. The synthesis chapters cover many
ways of making each type of molecule starting with simple aromatic
and aliphatic compounds with one functional group and progressing
to molecules with many functional groups. The strategy chapters
cover questions of selectivity, protection, stereochemistry, and
develop more advanced thinking via reagents specifically designed
for difficult problems.
Examples are drawn from pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, natural
products, pheromones, perfumery and flavouring compounds,
dyestuffs, monomers, and intermediates used in more advanced
synthetic work. Reasons for wishing to synthesise each compound are
given.
This second edition has been fully revised and updated with a
modern look. Recent examples and techniques are included and
illustrated additional material has been added to take the student
to the level required by the sequel, "Organic Synthesis:
Strategy and Control".
Several chapters contain extensive new material based on courses
that the authors give to chemists in the pharmaceutical
industry.
Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach, 2nd
edition provides a full course in retrosynthetic analysis for
chemistry and biochemistry students and a refresher for organic
chemists working in industry and academia.
