What is the Difference Between Synthon and Synthetic Equivalent?

The key difference between a synthon and a synthetic equivalent lies in their roles within the retrosynthetic analysis:

• Synthon: A synthon is a moiety of a chemical compound that can be formed by a known synthetic process. It is a hypothetical unit within a target chemical compound (organic compound). Synthons are generated by disconnecting bonds in the target molecule, which can then be used to plan a synthetic route.
• Synthetic Equivalent: A synthetic equivalent is a reagent that carries out the function of a synthon, often because the synthon itself is too unstable to be used directly. Synthetic equivalents are actual organic intermediates that correspond to various synthons.

In summary, a synthon is a hypothetical unit within a target chemical compound, while a synthetic equivalent is a reagent that fulfills the function of a synthon in a synthetic process. Both terms are used in retrosynthetic analysis, a technique that helps in planning the synthesis of target molecules by breaking down the target molecule into simpler structures and identifying the necessary reactions and reagents.

Comparative Table: Synthon vs Synthetic Equivalent

The terms synthon and synthetic equivalent are used in retrosynthetic analysis, a technique for planning the synthesis of target molecules. Here is a table comparing the differences between synthon and synthetic equivalent:

In summary, synthons are parts of a substrate molecule that are used tochange its structure in order to form the target molecule, while synthetic equivalents are reagents that carry out the function of synthons in a reaction.