Feasibility

Definition

Feasibility refers to the practical aspect of whether a proposed chemical synthesis can be successfully carried out using available methods and resources. It encompasses considerations such as the availability of starting materials, the efficiency of the synthetic pathway, and the potential for successful reactions to occur without excessive side products or complications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Assessing feasibility involves evaluating the availability of necessary reagents and intermediates for a proposed synthesis.
2. Feasibility can be influenced by the stability of compounds involved; some may be too unstable to isolate or react under standard conditions.
3. Time and cost are crucial factors in feasibility; a synthesis that is time-consuming or expensive may not be practical.
4. The likelihood of side reactions is an important consideration; high feasibility requires minimizing unwanted products.
5. Feasibility also includes environmental considerations, such as waste production and toxicity of reagents, impacting the overall sustainability of a synthesis.

Review Questions

• How does assessing the feasibility of a synthetic pathway impact the choice of starting materials?
  • Assessing feasibility directly influences the selection of starting materials because it requires considering their availability, cost, and compatibility with the desired reactions. If a starting material is scarce or expensive, it might not be feasible to use it in a synthetic pathway. Additionally, selecting starting materials that lead to efficient and straightforward reactions can enhance the overall feasibility of the synthesis.
• What role does reaction mechanism play in determining the feasibility of a proposed synthesis?
  • The reaction mechanism provides insight into how reactants will transform into products, which is vital for evaluating feasibility. Understanding the mechanism allows chemists to predict potential side reactions and the stability of intermediates. If a proposed synthesis involves complex mechanisms that could lead to low yields or multiple side products, it may be deemed less feasible. Therefore, thorough knowledge of mechanisms can help chemists choose more straightforward and efficient pathways.
• Evaluate how environmental considerations might alter the feasibility analysis of a synthetic pathway.
  • Environmental considerations play a significant role in feasibility analysis by influencing both regulatory compliance and public perception. A synthesis that produces hazardous waste or requires toxic reagents may face regulatory hurdles or public backlash, making it less feasible despite its technical viability. Additionally, chemists might prioritize greener alternatives that minimize environmental impact, shifting focus toward more sustainable practices. This shift can redefine what is considered feasible in modern synthetic organic chemistry, promoting eco-friendly approaches.

Related terms

Retrosynthetic Analysis: A strategy in organic chemistry where a target molecule is deconstructed into simpler precursor structures, aiding in the planning of synthetic pathways.

Synthetic Pathway: A sequence of chemical reactions used to transform starting materials into a desired product.

Reaction Mechanism:

The detailed step-by-step process by which reactants are transformed into products in a chemical reaction.