Prior art discovery for synthetic methods

Each reaction step in the platform's results carries patent-literature references. This tutorial uses those references as a structured starting point for prior-art search around a synthetic method.

Steps

1. Submit the target whose synthesis you're evaluating for prior-art coverage. Use a moderate route length (3-6) to surface multiple candidate disconnections.
2. On the result, walk each step in turn. Hover to see the count of patent references for that transformation. Click View Reference Entries to open the full reference panel.
3. For each reference, click through to the source patent document. The platform links to the original filing where available.
4. Build a chronological table of the references for the disconnections you care about: filing date, assignee, patent number, key claims related to the transformation.
5. Identify the earliest disclosure for the synthetic method. That date is your effective-date floor for prior art.
6. Note any references that are obviously different chemistries ranked under the same transformation type. The platform's reaction classifier is broad; treat reference matches as candidates for review, not automatic prior art.

Output

A documented prior-art chain for each disconnection in the candidate route. Pairs naturally with the invention disclosure exporter when the search supports filing.