Why is the optimization of yield important in chemical synthesis?

Answer 1

#"How much garbage out per garbage in?"# What would economics suggest as to the advantage of a good yield versus a poor yield; or a 2-3 step synthesis, versus a 10 step synthesis?

Suppose a new drug went out on the market. It's a cure for male-pattern baldness (this drug would literally make BILLIONS.......). Only trouble is it's a 10 step synthesis that yields #2%# overall. Of course, they could and would charge the earth for the product.

Which synthesis do you think the chemists would use if they were refining their synthesis and came up with a three-step sequence with a 50% overall yield? (They wouldn't change the price either!)

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Answer 2

Cooper Adams

Optimizing yield in chemical synthesis is crucial as it maximizes efficiency, minimizes waste, and enhances economic viability by ensuring the most efficient conversion of reactants into desired products. High yield reduces production costs, conserves resources, and improves overall process sustainability. Additionally, it contributes to the consistent quality of the final product.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.