AppsFromResearch
Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database icon

Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database

Evidence Tier:DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:General Public & EnthusiastsStudents

App Summary

Chemistry By Design is an educational tool that uses an interactive flashcard format to help students and professionals learn and test their knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry. The associated research highlights its design, which focuses on visually communicating each step in published syntheses of natural products and pharmaceuticals. The authors conclude this approach provides a unique platform for users to explore complex chemical transformations and test their knowledge of synthetic strategies.

App Screenshots

Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database screenshot 1 of 6Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database screenshot 2 of 6Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database screenshot 3 of 6Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database screenshot 4 of 6Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database screenshot 5 of 6Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database screenshot 6 of 6

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

The system delivers a continuously updated database of published natural product and pharmaceutical syntheses. Its core mechanism functions as an interactive flashcard, presenting the reagents, starting materials, and products for each step in a synthetic sequence. The interface provides multiple browsing options, which facilitate self-testing and exploration of complex chemical transformations. The platform leverages the graphical language of organic chemistry to deliver pedagogical content effectively and is available as a web and mobile application.

Evidence & Research Context

  • The platform's pedagogical design is detailed in an associated research article, which emphasizes the use of graphical chemical language to enhance comprehension of synthetic pathways.
  • Its core content consists of a curated database of published synthetic sequences for natural products and pharmaceuticals, structured for step-by-step review and self-assessment.
  • The application has been recognized in academic literature as a supplementary reference and learning tool for students, educators, and chemical professionals.

Intended Use & Scope

Intended for students and professionals in chemistry, this application serves as a pedagogical tool for reviewing and self-testing knowledge of organic synthesis. It is designed to supplement formal instruction and laboratory work. The system does not generate novel synthetic pathways and is not a substitute for primary literature research or expert academic guidance.

Studies & Publications

2 publications

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

Chemistry on the Go: Review of Chemistry Apps on Smartphones

Libman et al. (2013) · Journal of Chemical Education

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app
Chemistry-related software, or chemistry "apps", on hand-held and portable touch-controlled computers such as smartphones and iPods are seeing dramatic growth with increasing adoption rates. This review covers about 30 popular and mostly free apps that can be used to learn chemistry and to serve as reference or research tools. The target audience includes students in high school, college, and graduate school, chemical professionals, and teachers.
... Read More
Development/Design Paper

Chemistry By Design: A Web-Based Educational Flashcard for Exploring Synthetic Organic ChemistryArticle link copied!

Draghici et al. (2012) · Journal of Chemical Education

Describes the research-driven development of this app
Chemistry By Design is a new educational Web site that contains a continuously growing database of natural product and pharmaceutical syntheses. It focuses on providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the wonders of synthetic organic chemistry by browsing published sequences and viewing each synthetic step individually. Emphasis has been placed on exploiting the wonderful graphical language of organic chemistry to most effectively communicate the educational content as well as to allow visitors to test their knowledge in a variety of different ways. Chemistry By Design is also available as a free application for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
... Read More

Chemistry By Design: Target Synthesis Database

Free