A synthetic step isn't just a list of utilized materials. It rather consists of a series of unit operations (reaction, extraction, etc.); some of them are materials consuming, others aren't, but they all add to complexity by occupying vessels, and consuming time & costs to perform (drying, evaporation, distilling, etc.). Just imagine comparing the efficiency of two 3-step syntheses utilizing exactly the same materials, but one consists of 12 unit operations, and the other one of 22 - it's rather clear which one is more effective ... 


Adding a unit operation is very simple in ChemProject and adds valuable step information for subsequent analysis and synthesis comparisons.


  1. Click the Next Op button in the panel just above the materials table.



  2. This opens the dialog below. The materials consuming unit operation types are listed on the left, the non-materials consuming ones on the right. Click the unit operation you'd like to add. 

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  1. The dialog closes, and in case of a materials consuming unit operation an empty table appears, ready for your continued material input. - If you should have added this unit operation by mistake, you still can delete it at this stage by clicking the Remove this Operation button located at the top right corner of the materials table (see image above).

     


  2. Specifying operating properties is optional, you can leave this part blank if you don't need it. However, if you are planning a synthesis campaign in more detail, this is the place to enter the operating costs per hour (manpower and apparatus), the operation time, the required number of runs per step, and the required number of operators. In addition, also observed unit operation min/max values can be specified.

    For a complete description of the individual parameters see here.