Chemical Synthesis (SYN)

The Chemical Synthesis (SYN) program supports fundamental experimental research on the development of new and efficient synthesis methodologies and on the synthesis of challenging molecular targets. Research in this program will generate fundamental new knowledge and understanding of chemical synthesis at the molecular level and enable new discoveries and the development of transformative technologies in related fields. With a focus on their synthesis, targets include (but are not limited to): novel organic molecules (including natural products and biomolecules), and organometallic, coordination, and inorganic complexes with the potential to display unique properties, as well as new chemical compounds and structures with the potential to provide pathways to discover and elucidate novel phenomena. Coverage of the SYN program involves all known elements. Supported research areas include (but are not limited to): discovery of new synthetic methods or creative adaptation of existing methods that overcome current synthesis challenges, development of new approaches or strategies to target molecules, transition-metal or main group element mediated synthesis of target molecules, advances in fundamental synthesis complemented and/or guided by computational chemistry or data science or machine learning (ML), synthesis of reactive intermediates for further exploration of their chemistry, and the development of innovative reagents. 

The SYN program also encourages proposal submissions in the following topical areas: Projects that leverage all aspects of chemical synthesis to advance our understanding of quantum information science and help develop future scientists who will contribute to the quantum area are strongly encouraged, as well as those that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to transform the fundamental principles of molecular design and chemical synthesis. Synthesis projects that focus on important societal challenges or national priorities are welcome and further encouraged to include discussion as to how the project advances the field toward the solution of the targeted problem. Examples may include the development of new synthetic methods using earth-abundant and inexpensive chemicals; fundamental studies that improve our understanding of rare earth elements; the conversion of non-petroleum-based resources into useful building blocks; and new chemical syntheses that improve current practice by requiring less energy, fresh water, reagents, and/or organic solvents. Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) proposals, where advances in chemical syntheses involve collaborative research with an industrial partner, are also encouraged. 

The SYN program encourages PIs to monitor current funding priorities identified by the Foundation and to highlight relevant synergies in their project summaries and project descriptions.  

Research topics that are not of interest to the SYN program:  

• Projects where the primary focus is on medicinal chemistry and/or drug discovery, extensive biological testing of molecules, optimization of reaction conditions, or empirical data mining using AI, ML, and/or other computational techniques for molecular design that fails to advance fundamental knowledge and understanding of synthetic methodology.  

• Projects where the main objectives are to study reaction mechanisms and the properties and functions of target systems, even though they may contain a large synthetic component. Proposed studies of this nature may be appropriate for the Chemical Mechanism, Function, and Property (CMFP) Program.  

• Investigators interested in developing novel synthetic approaches to macromolecular, supramolecular or nanoscopic structures should consult the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) Program.  

• Projects focused on materials development/properties and on syntheses of extended solid-state materials should consult the Solid State and Materials program in Materials Research within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.  

• Proposals that have a major focus on the design, discovery, and development of new catalysts and fundamental studies of catalytic reactions should be submitted to the Chemical Catalysis (CAT) Program.  

• Principal Investigators unsure of program fit for their projects should send a single email, copied to all potentially relevant programs, for feedback and to schedule further discussion if warranted. 

Proposals to the SYN program are welcome at any time, starting September 1, 2026.  

All proposals submitted to this program (including individual and collaborative proposals, GOALIs) must be submitted to the CHE Disciplinary Research Programs solicitation (NSF 22-605), except for: 

• RUI proposals must be submitted to the Facilitating Research at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions: (RUI and ROA-PUI) program. 

• Proposals submitted in response to another solicitation should follow the solicitation guidelines (e.g. CAREER). 

• Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Research (RAPID), or Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) proposals must be discussed with a program officer before submission and then should only be submitted as instructed. 

MPS Chemistry occasionally supports forward-looking workshops to inform future research needs and directions relevant to chemical science. We are not generally able to support research symposia, including those at either special or recurring meetings and conferences. Workshop proposals must be discussed with a program officer before submission. 

For recent awards made by the program, search NSF award database with the Program Element Code 687800.

• What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)
• Map of Recent Awards Made Through This Program