A natural product is a chemical substance produced by a living organism, often discussed in relation to its biosynthesis, structure or biological role. The term commonly highlights specialized metabolites, but its precise breadth depends on context.
Isolating a natural product and making the same molecule by total synthesis are different routes to a chemical identity. A synthetic sample with the same connectivity and stereochemistry is not a different substance merely because its origin differs. Conversely, a matching elemental formula is insufficient: different isomers can have different properties. Source, purity and structural identity should therefore be kept separate.
New to topics? Read the docs here!