Total synthesis is a branch of organic chemistry that involves the complete construction of a complex organic molecule from simple, readily available starting materials. This process typically requires a series of carefully planned chemical reactions to assemble the molecular framework, introduce functional groups, and establish stereochemistry. Total synthesis is crucial for studying natural products that are difficult to isolate in large quantities, providing insights into their structure, function, and potential therapeutic applications. It also plays a significant role in advancing synthetic methodologies, contributing to innovations in drug development and materials science.