A group contribution approach to computer‐aided molecular design

A flexible and structured methodology for the computer‐aided molecular design (CAMD) by the group contribution approach is presented. The proposed CAMD algorithm takes the following four steps: 1. preselect groups and target properties; 2. generate only a feasible set of compound structures in an optimal fashion; 3. predict properties for the screening of the set of feasible compound structures; and finally 4. select/design the compound. Since the success of any CAMD algorithm depends to a large extent on its ability to predict/compute the needed properties, the importance of the choice and applicability of these methods is considered along with the computational aspects related to the development of a computer program based on the proposed methodology. Finally, the scope of CAMD technology is highlighted using several practical examples.