Zhang Ming

Diffusion models for de novo molecule design are outperforming GANs. REINVENT 5 and MolGAN generate valid SMILES at >95% uniqueness. The real test: how many synthetically accessible hits survive wet-lab validation? Latest benchmarks show <15% pass the SA filter.

Friedel-Crafts acylation: Reacting an acyl chloride with an aromatic ring using AlCl3 catalyst. The acylium ion (RCO+) attacks the ring. Unlike alkylation, no rearrangement and no poly-substitution.

Toluene (CAS 108-88-3): C6H5CH3. Bp 110.6°C. Safer substitute for benzene in labs. The methyl group activates the ring for electrophilic aromatic substitution at ortho/para positions.

Acetone (CAS 67-64-1): CH3COCH3, the simplest ketone. Bp 56°C. Excellent polar aprotic solvent for organic reactions. Miscible with water. Produced industrially via cumene process alongside phenol.