The State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry (SKL of Synth Chem) is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge basic and interdisciplinary research in sustainable green catalysis, precision synthesis, synthetic biology, and novel functional molecules. By advancing research in these cutting-edge areas, the laboratory is driving progress and development in advanced materials science and biomedicine in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through innovative research, the laboratory continues to achieve breakthroughs, serving the major needs of the country's "dual carbon" policy, as well as in life sciences, health sciences, and new drug research and development.

This SKL was approved by Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the Chinese Government in 2010 and was officially established in 2011 as the "State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry (Partner Laboratory at The University of Hong Kong)" (PSKL of Synth Chem). At that time, the PSKL was a partner SKL of the State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry located at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIOC). The SKL of Synth Chem was rated "Outstanding" in its re-assessment exercise in 2017. Later in 2018, MOST agreed with the renaming of the PSKL to "State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry (The University of Hong Kong)". A branch laboratory was set up at the Department of Chemistry of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The SKL of Synth Chem is also in collaboration with The Shanghai-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Chemical Synthesis located at SIOC. In 2025, the SKL of Synth Chem is successfully reorganized and will orient research toward national objectives and strategic needs.

To date, the SKL comprises 16 independent research groups, conducting academic research across four key areas.