ABSTRACT
The concept of optimization in organic synthesis is a multifaceted problem as it is in other disciplines. The common theme is that certain variables need to be “rst identi“ed as relevant to the problem, and then they are maximized or minimized as appropriate subject to constraints until a threshold criterion is reached. In organic synthesis, the overall goal is to reduce both material waste production and to increase energy ef“ciency. This has always been the endeavor of process chemists in industry and so the ideas of green chemistry pronounced in the 12 principles are not novel. The new idea behind the implementation of green thinking is to practice this philosophy right at the very beginning of the design stage for the development of a new molecule or process. Traditionally, these were done at the later stages of development after the proof of concept or ef“cacy was achieved. Barriers or inertias to “green thinking” include the following:
a. The cost of energy and raw materials is kept deliberately low, so the incentive to innovate is weak.
