With combinatorial chemistry millions of organic compounds can be produced simultaneously, quickly, and in most cases by automated procedures. These compound libraries are a cost-effective resource for the pharmaceutical industry in their search for biologically active lead structures. Furthermore simultaneous parallel synthesis of single peptides and peptide libraries solve the problem of the worldwide increasing demand for peptides. The synthetic methods described here in detail contribute to a forward-looking technology that has a high impact for industrial and academic research. Fast and efficient analytical techniques are essential for using the complicated product mixtures and detecting by-products. Various synthetic approaches and technologies, mass spectrometry, and screening assays are discussed extensively. This book is a must and an indispensible source of information for every researcher in this rapidly developing field, which spans organic synthesis, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medicinal, and clinical chemistry.
