Erythronolide B: analysis of the synthesis pathway proposed by the Lilith program

Computer-Assisted Organic Synthesis (CAOS) has become a common tool in synthesis pathway design. Many different approaches exist, each giving suggestions for the exploration of the synthetic space. Validation of the proposed solutions can be done both by using different programs and by experimental realization of the synthesis. To this end, a molecule of medium complexity, erythronolide B, has been used to make a three-way comparison using results obtained by the program LHASA, in the laboratory, and by the program Lilith. The importance of using different sources in studying a synthesis pathway is discussed, with respect to achieving the best result from each approach. The high level of convergence in the syntheses proposed by the Lilith program is the most interesting characteristic of the program's results. Moreover, reproduction of the syntheses proposed by the other approaches guarantees the applicability of the Lilith program to real synthetic problems. A brief outline of the Lilith program is included.