Synthetic sophistication has increased to an impressive level in the past two
centuries. Ongoing development of novel synthetic concepts and methodologies
has opened up the way to the construction of many complex and challenging
synthetic targets. However, in spite of its scientific merits and its profound influence
on the progress of organic chemistry, it has become clear that much of the
present synthetic methodology does not meet the conditions set to future purposes.
Increasingly, severe economic and environmental constraints force the synthetic
community to think about novel procedures and synthetic concepts to optimize
efficiency.