MIT hosts the template-based ASKCOS (“ASK-coss”) platform for performing this task, building on a rule-based approach to it first used in the 1972 computer program LHASA (“LAH-suh”). Machines learn this task by querying databases like KEGG (“keg”) and Reaxys (“ree-AX-is”) to find valid transformations between SMARTS (“smarts”) strings. Solutions to this task are illustrated using hollow arrows that point in the anti·thetic direction. Ideal solutions to this task may rely on domino or telescoping steps to reduce work-up. This task requires Umpolung if the polarities do not alternate. An approach to this task that strategically disconnects retrons to find convenient starting materials was pioneered by E.J. Corey. The “total” form of this task targets natural products with many stereo·centers, like Taxol. For 10 points, name this task of assembling complex organic molecules from smaller ones. ■END■
ANSWER: organic synthesis [or retrosynthesis; or retrosynthetic analysis; or total synthesis; or similar answers describing the planning, design, or execution of the synthesis of organic molecules; or planning organic reactions or reaction pathways to make molecules; or the prediction of chemical reactions; reject “molecular design” or “drug design” or similar answers that do not mention the formation of a molecule]
<Chemistry>
= Average correct buzz position