C–H Activation: Redefining Retrosynthesis?

It flips the old playbook
less functional group gymnastics, more direct hits.

C–H bonds used to be invisible now they’re legit reaction sites.

Cuts steps like crazy
shorter synth = happier chemists.

Selectivity is the real flex
hitting the right C–H is the whole game.

Makes late-stage functionalization way cleaner
huge for pharma work.

Retrosynthesis feels less rigid now more options, more creativity.

Not plug-and-play yet catalysts still do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Saves time, atoms, and money green chemistry vibes.

Still tricky on scale what works in papers doesn’t always love industry.

It’s not replacing retrosynthesis—just upgrading it new tool, bigger toolbox.