Combinatorial chemistry

In many areas of chemical synthesis, drug discovery, and materials research , combinatorial approaches are becoming more and more important, One of the most serious bottlenecks in this area is the chemical analysis and screeni ng of the products. Was the correct product produced? Were ail the possible products produced? What is their purity? Where in a combinatorial library are the 'hits'? If a relatively large number of lead compounds or hits have been identified, what:is the most effective way for their thorough chemica l analysis? The key goals of this symposium were to provide an overview ove r the current state-of-the-art analytical strategies used in combinatorial chemistry, and to show how obstacles can be overcome by new analytical tool s and strategies, It was fascinating to experience how many areas of chemis try are influenced by combinatorial chemistry nowadays, and it:was impressi ve to witness the efforts being made by software developers and chemists al ike to overcome some remaining hurdles in this area.