Issue 26, 2015

Current complexity: a tool for assessing the complexity of organic molecules

Abstract

Molecular complexity for a synthetic organic chemist is difficult to define, though intuitively known. Despite the importance of this concept, the quantitative assessment of complexity within organic chemistry has remained a challenge. We report here on the development of an approach for generating a unique complexity index, which is reflective of both intrinsic molecular complexity and extrinsic synthetic complexity. This index is based on a community's perception of complexity, within the context of current technology, calculating a molecule's current complexity. Our approach allows for a direct comparison between molecules, the analysis of trends within research programs, it enables an assessment (and comparison) of new synthetic approaches to known molecules and is capable of following a molecule's apparent complexity as it changes over time.

Graphical abstract: Current complexity: a tool for assessing the complexity of organic molecules

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Apr 2015
Accepted
30 Apr 2015
First published
12 May 2015

Org. Biomol. Chem., 2015,13, 7164-7176

Author version available

Current complexity: a tool for assessing the complexity of organic molecules

J. Li and M. D. Eastgate, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2015, 13, 7164 DOI: 10.1039/C5OB00709G

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