The SOS Online Library Comprises More than 300 Volumes
The Science of Synthesis eBook collection comprises more than 300 volumes, covering over a century of synthetic organic chemistry. Original German print editions of Houben-Weyl have been digitized, and new digital issues of English language Science of Synthesis (SOS) have been added to the online library, covering some of the most current topics in organic and organometallic chemistry, such as click chemistry and organofluorine chemistry.
Houben-Weyl
Houben-Weyl – Methoden der Organischen Chemie (Methods of Organic Chemistry) is a standard reference work covering preparative methods for chemists engaged in organic synthesis. The first volume “Analytic Methods” was published in 1909. The Houben-Weyl Collection contains 161 volumes.
Original Edition
The “Science of Synthesis Original Edition” is a comprehensive reference work that offers a critical review of synthetic methods in organic and organometallic chemistry. The series comprises 48 titles which were published between 2000 and 2010. The Original Edition was compiled by the collaborative efforts of chemists from both industry and academia.
Knowledge Updates
In order to enable chemists to keep up with the latest developments in organic synthesis, Science of Synthesis has been continuously extended with fresh content since 2010. Chapters of the Original Edition are updated with high quality content and new methods and new product (sub)classes are added.
Reference Library
The volumes of the Reference Library add topics of particular current interest to Science of Synthesis. The supplementary series highlights new angles and perspectives of importance in organic synthesis. It focuses on specialized topics in organic synthesis, offering expert-reviewed methods, practical guidance, and in-depth coverage of emerging areas in chemistry.
Content Updates
Science of Synthesis (SOS Platform) is regularly updated. After registering for the e-mail newsletter, you will receive an e-mail alert whenever new content is added.
Latest News from the SOS Editorial Office
SOS ECAB: Meet Prof. C. Rose Kennedy
The Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) is a 3-year program to help promote young talented chemists. Learn more about our ECAB members and read the short interview of Prof. C. Rose Kennedy
Interview with Former ECAB Member Prof. Emilio Carlos de Lucca
Read our interview with former SOS ECAB Member Emilio Carlos de Lucca as he shares insights on total synthesis, the future of organic chemistry, and the importance of science communication.
Call for Nominations for the 2027 Women in Chemistry (WiC) Awards!
Stuttgart: Call for nominations for the 2027 Dr. Margaret Faul Women in Chemistry and Women in the Chemical Industry Awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of women in organic chemistry is open until 11 December, 2026.
SOS ECAB: Meet Prof. Albert Granados Toda
The Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) is a 3-year program to help promote young talented chemists. Learn more about our ECAB members and read the short interview of Prof. Albert Granados Toda
SOS: All FID-Chemie-Funded Licenses for 2026 Allocated!
Stuttgart: A limited number of SOS licences were available through the FID Chemie for researchers affiliated with publicly funded institutions in Germany. For the year 2026, all licences have been claimed and no additional SOS licences are currently available. Additional licences will be available by January 2027 at the latest.…
SOS ECAB: Meet Prof. Ana Bahamonde
The Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) is a 3-year program to help promote young talented chemists. Learn more about our ECAB members and read the short interview of Prof. Ana Bahamonde
SOS Case Studies: What? — Why? — How?
The SOS Case Studies illustrate how SOS can accelerate and strengthen your research. Here, you will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about SOS Case Studies.
Case Study: Nickel-Catalyzed Light-Mediated Thioetherification
Read this SOS case study by Jessica Navarro Vega from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester, USA. Her group’s main objectives is to develop sustainable nickel-catalyzed methodologies to enable the facile formation of new C–heteroatom bonds from abundant building blocks.
SOS ECAB: Meet Dr. Tomohiro Hattori
The Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) is a 3-year program to help promote young talented chemists. Learn more about our ECAB members and read the short interview of Dr. Tomohiro Hattori.
SOS ECAB: Meet Prof. Yang Yang
The Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) is a 3-year program to help promote young talented chemists. Learn more about our ECAB members and read the short interview of Prof. Yang Yang