Retrosynthetic analysis

Heterolytic retrosynthetic disconnection of a carbon-carbon bond in a molecule breaks the TM into an acceptor synthon, a carbocation, and a donor synthon, a carbanion. In a fomal sense, the reverse reaction – the formation of a C-C bond – then involves the union of an electrophilic acceptor synthon and a nucleophilic donor synthon.

— Retrosynthetic analysis

Computer programs are available that suggest possible disconnections and retrosynthetic pathway. Such programs utilize the type of systematic analysis outlined above to identify key bonds for disconnection and plausible functional group inter-conversions.

— Retrosynthetic analysis