Feels complex like solving a Rubik's cube to write down synthesis steps but it is all a sequence of memorized tricks. Do Cannizaro if you want this, Bergmann to do that.

But the synthesis plan is only 10% of the actual work.

The gap between writing down the synthesis step and actually doing it is also extremely large.

Even if you get the right molecule, it might be the wrong way around or just clump up into a useless mess.

The Ritonavir episode of Veritasium is a great example of how all chemistry on paper is a mere shadow of what actually happens in real life.