CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Chemical synthesis refers to the process of creating chemical compounds through various chemical reactions. It involves the combination and transformation of different chemical substances to produce a desired end product. Chemical synthesis plays a crucial role in the development of new drugs, materials, and fuels.
The process of chemical synthesis typically begins with a set of starting materials or reactants, which can be inorganic or organic compounds. These reactants undergo a series of chemical reactions under controlled conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and catalysts, to produce the desired product. The reactions involved in chemical synthesis may include bond formation, cleavage, substitution, and oxidation or reduction.
Chemical synthesis can be carried out through various methods, including organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, and combinatorial chemistry. Organic synthesis focuses on the creation of organic compounds, which contain carbon atoms, while inorganic synthesis is concerned with the synthesis of inorganic compounds, which do not contain carbon atoms. Combinatorial chemistry involves the simultaneous synthesis of multiple compounds, allowing for the rapid discovery and optimization of new materials or drugs.
Chemical synthesis has revolutionized many fields, including medicine, agriculture, and materials science. It has enabled the production of countless life-saving pharmaceutical drugs, innovative materials with unique properties, and highly efficient energy sources. Chemical synthesis continues to be a vital tool in scientific research and industrial applications, driving the advancements in various sectors and contributing to the progress of society.
Etymology of CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS
The word "chemical" originated from the Greek word "khēmeia", which referred to the practice of alchemy, an ancient precursor to modern chemistry. The term "khēmeia" was later adopted in Arabic as "al-kīmiyā", and then borrowed into medieval Latin as "chymia". Eventually, it evolved into the English word "chemistry", which broadly defines the scientific discipline.
On the other hand, the word "synthesis" comes from the Greek word "sunthesis", derived from "sun-" (meaning together) and "-thesis" (meaning placing or putting). In essence, "synthesis" signifies the process of combining two or more elements to create something new.
Therefore, the term "chemical synthesis" emerged from the combination of the Greek and Latin origins, referring to the process of creating new chemical substances by combining different elements or molecules.
