Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Organic Synthesis

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Organic Synthesis 1. Regioselectivity vs. Stereoselectivity Regioselectivity and stereoselectivity are terms used to describe the preference of a reaction for a specific region or stereoisomer, respectively. While both involve selectivity, they refer to different aspects. Regioselectivity focuses on the position of a reaction, such as the attachment of a functional group, while stereoselectivity deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms. Remember, regioselectivity is about 'where' the reaction occurs, and stereoselectivity is about 'how' the reaction occurs. 2. Retrosynthesis vs. Synthesis Retrosynthesis and synthesis are two approaches to designing a target molecule. Retrosynthesis involves working backward, breaking down the target into simpler starting materials. It's like solving a puzzle in reverse. On the other hand, synthesis is the forward approach, starting from basic building blocks and gradually building up the target molecule. While retrosynthesis is about 'deconstruction,' synthesis is about 'construction.' Both are crucial in organic synthesis planning. 3. Yield vs. Selectivity Yield and selectivity are measures of a reaction's efficiency. Yield refers to the amount of desired product obtained, usually expressed as a percentage.