What is retrosynthesis in organic chemistry?

Retrosynthesis (also called retrosynthetic analysis) is a strategy in organic chemistry for designing a synthesis by working backward from the target molecule to simpler, commercially available starting materials. Instead of asking “what can I make from this reagent?”, you ask “what bond should I disconnect to simplify this structure?”

In chemistry education and process research, retrosynthesis organic chemistry problems train you to recognize functional-group patterns, protecting-group needs, and convergent vs linear routes. Modern AI retrosynthesis tools automate part of that search.

Retrosynthesis analysis — core ideas

• Target molecule — the product you want (often given as structure or SMILES).
• Disconnection — a conceptual reverse reaction that breaks a C–C or C–heteroatom bond.
• Synthons — idealized fragments that map onto real reagents.
• Starting materials — cheap, known building blocks that close the tree.

What is retrosynthesis in chemistry (vs forward synthesis)?

Forward synthesis writes reagents → intermediates → product. Retrosynthesis writes product → precursors → starting materials. The two views meet when you translate each disconnection into a real reaction (coupling, oxidation, cycloaddition, etc.).

Practice online

After you understand the concept, try how to do retrosynthesis step-by-step, or open the free AI retrosynthesis planner with a sample SMILES.