[alphahydroxy]

Hi,

I'm a little confused here... I've never been all that clear on what exactly the term "Formal Synthesis" means...

If, for example, I synthesise a molecule which has been shown in previous literature to be an intermediate to a final product but I don't actually carry out those final steps to actually make that product, is that a "formal synthesis" ?

If not, is there a term for that situation?

Thanks very much!

[azmanam]

yes, that is a formal synthesis.  you didn't actually make the target compound, but you intercepted an intermediate in someone else's total synthesis.  You have completed a formal synthesis.

[alphahydroxy]

Cheers!