What is Custom Synthesis, and How is it Used in the Chemical Industry?

 

What exactly is custom synthesis? Custom synthesis, in the realm of chemistry, involves building molecules that are not commercially available and do not have significant scientific data on them yet. Applied Chemistries are often the building block of pharmaceuticals, polymers, agrochemicals, and other synthetic products. Custom synthesis allows chemists to build the chemical compounds they need based on their requirements, saving time and money because you can use your custom chemicals rather than purchasing off-the-shelf chemicals and compounds that aren't needed.

Where did custom synthesis come from?

Chemists, engineers, and researchers often need special molecules to suit their purposes. Some companies can simply buy these molecules from chemical manufacturers; others lack an easy supply. Thus a relatively young industry was born: a custom synthesis. In custom synthesis, biotechnology startups or research organizations find specialists who can create molecules with a specific 3D structure they need. Such specialists are also known as organic chemists who practice natural product total synthesis or synthetic organic chemistry (SOC). Nowadays, there are many practices of SOC: ring-closing metathesis polymerization, dynamic combinatorial chemistry, peptide, and peptidomimetic synthesis [link to appropriate Wikipedia entry]... what's more interesting for those needs than natural products?

Why should you care about custom synthesis?

For those new to custom synthesis, it might seem like a strange concept; if you want something, why not just buy it off the shelf or make do with what you have. In many cases, you can – but that's because we take advantage of mass production. Many products are only available in certain quantities or at certain purity levels. Companies use custom synthesis to meet their specific needs when that's not good enough. Keep reading below to learn more about custom synthesis and how it can be used in your business.

Where do most chemists get started with custom synthesis?

Good question! While many chemical companies supply their custom synthesis, other businesses partner with contract research organizations (CROs) or contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to produce their compounds. For example, partnering with a CRO will be your best bet if you have a new drug that's still being tested but that you need in large quantities quickly. Meanwhile, suppose you're a chemical supplier or distributor who wants to keep more money on hand while getting your hands on more unique molecules. In that case, they'll likely need to seek out custom synthesis services directly. In any case, a custom synthesis is an important tool for chemists everywhere. When used correctly and safely by professionals, it can help chemists reach their business goals quicker than ever!

What are examples of products made through custom synthesis?

A very quick example of some products made using custom synthesis would be consumer goods. Consumer goods are manufactured by either a single company or many companies working together to produce a finished product. Take, for example, your favorite clothing brand that sells t-shirts. They probably don't manufacture their fabric; instead, they buy that from another company, then take that fabric and add their logo to make those t-shirts you love. Chemicals are similar – they can be used to synthesize consumer goods or may be used by scientists who use them as research tools, such as new medications.

Why are chemicals important to custom synthesis projects?

Chemicals are one of those important tools used to keep your body healthy, clean, safe, and functional. They're an integral part of everyday products like clothes, houses, foods, and cars. Chemicals can be used for various purposes — some to regulate health conditions (like hormones) or to help you feel better about yourself (for example, perfumes). Certain chemicals can also be dangerous if they get into hands that aren't supposed to have them. For example, professional maids or janitors should only use cleaning products under careful supervision because they can create dangerous fumes when mixed incorrectly.

When can you use custom synthesis instead of other processes to make chemicals or molecules?

You can use custom synthesis when you have a target compound that cannot be synthesized by any other method or process. For example, custom synthesis would be appropriate if you need to make up a large quantity of a given compound and there are no commercial sources available. Another reason you might use custom synthesis is to replace an expensive reagent with something cheaper.

Is there any way I can participate in custom synthesis projects as a student, amateur, or hobbyist chemist?

While you may not be able to participate directly in custom synthesis projects as a student, amateur, or hobbyist chemist, there are still ways you can make these valuable contributions. Many large chemical firms are willing to accept feedback from their clients about synthesis projects. If you feel an innovative idea would improve a custom synthesis project, don't hesitate to let your company know!

Who are some major players working on products made through custom synthesis?

Custom synthesis happens when you take the desired compound that isn't commercially available (or only available at exorbitant prices) and use chemical reactions to create your product. These reactions will result in a new compound, which could then be sold to end-users at a profit. While there are some successful examples of commercialized custom synthesis (like BPA), there are also plenty of spectacular failures; we'll talk about those too. Let's get started!