Chapter 3 - The Future of Purification

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the general methods used in the synthesis of molecules (organic or inorganic). Impressive and sophisticated strategies are currently available for the synthesis of molecules, in the form of new reagents––catalysts and chemical transformations. Solid phase synthesis (SPS) has emerged as an important methodology for the rapid and efficient synthesis of molecules. The ease of work-up and purification procedures in solid phase as compared to solution phase chemistry, as well as the scope for combinatorial chemistry provides impetus for further development in this field. Polymer supported reactants have also become of increasing importance in synthesis of molecules. The major impetus for the development of solid phase synthesis centers around applications in combinatorial chemistry. The potential applications of ionic liquids as solvents in synthesis and in catalysis have recently been realized. Florous chemistry is another new approach to synthesis and involves the attachment of florous phase labels to substrates such that the subsequent fluorinated products can be extracted into the florous phase.