Trying to rationalize total synthesis

Abstract

Total synthesis has been held in high esteem for many decades. In recent years, however, public opinion has turned more and more skeptical. In particular, long and uneventful sequences towards complex yet useless targets are considered a waste of resources and are refused funding. There is only one way to remedy this unpleasant situation: total synthesis must be efficient and present attractive chemistry. This article tries to show some aspects on how this increase in efficiency might be achieved.