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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Synthetic Methodology for Asymmetric Ferrocene Derived Bio-conjugate Systems via Solid Phase Resin-based Methodology
Published on: March 12, 2015
Organic synthesis--art or science?
Christoph Rücker1, Gerta Rücker, Steven H Bertz
1Department of Mathematics, Universität Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany. christoph.ruecker@uni-beyreuth.de
Abstract:
The LHASA rules for finding strategic bonds in polycyclic target structures are analyzed with respect to the following question: Do the strategic bonds tend to give the greatest simplification upon disconnection, as measured by recently introduced indices of molecular complexity? The answer is yes, at least for the more general rules. This result implies that the bonds most useful for retrosynthetic disconnection can now be identified by a simple calculation rather than by application of a body of rules. It is concluded that organic synthesis, as far as described by these rules, has a mathematical basis and consequently can be considered a science as well as an art.
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