A Categorical Model for Retrosynthetic Reaction Analysis

Abstract: We introduce a mathematical framework for retrosynthetic analysis, an important research method in synthetic chemistry. Our approach represents molecules and their interaction using string diagrams in layered props - a recently introduced categorical model for partial explanations in scientific reasoning. Such principled approach allows one to model features currently not available in automated retrosynthesis tools, such as chirality, reaction environment and protection-deprotection steps.