A method for preparing a large number of chemical compounds, commonly known as a combinatorial library, which are then screened to identify compounds having a desired function, such as a particular biological or catalytic activity. Combinatorial synthesis is an aspect of combinatorial chemistry, which allows for the simultaneous generation and rapid testing for a desired property of large numbers of chemically related compounds. One could regard combinatorial chemistry as the scientist's attempt to mimic the natural principles of random mutation and selection of the fittest. Combinatorial chemistry has already become an invaluable tool in the areas of molecular recognition, materials science, drug discovery and optimization, and catalyst development.