title: Multicomponent reaction design in the quest for molecular complexity and diversity.
abstract: Multicomponent reactions have become increasingly popular as tools for the rapid generation of small-molecule libraries. However, to ensure sufficient molecular diversity and complexity, there is a continuous need for novel reactions. Although serendipity has always played an important role in the discovery of novel (multicomponent) reactions, rational design strategies have become much more important over the past decade. In this Review, we present an overview of general strategies that allow the design of novel multicomponent reactions. The challenges and opportunities for the future will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Eelco
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ruijter
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scheffelaar
authors.forename: Romano V A
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Orru
mesh_terms: D008958:Models, Molecular; D054852:Small Molecule Libraries / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D054852:Small Molecule Libraries