Preface to Special Issue on Catalysis in Organic Synthesis

Organic synthesis plays a central role in chemistry. The cre-ation of compounds with new properties and functions both distinguishes synthetic chemistry from other sciences and also emphasizes chemistry’s central place in science. In principle, the possibilities for atomic and molecular manipulation are unlimited, which provides a firm molecular basis for biosci-ence, materials science and medical science. Man-made chemi-cals have entered many research fields where they play im-portant roles. Synthesis is changing all aspects of human socie-ty and improving the quality of our life. Catalysts are

Organic synthesis plays a central role in chemistry. The cre-ation of compounds with new properties and functions both distinguishes synthetic chemistry from other sciences and also emphasizes chemistry＇s central place in science. In principle, the possibilities for atomic and molecular manipulation are unlimited, which provides a firm molecular basis for biosci-ence, materials science and medical science. Man-made chemi-cals have entered many research fields where they play im-portant roles.