1. It is a tool of research in medicinal chemistry to refine molecule. 2.Most of the molecules are modified either by altering its physical properties or by modifying chemical structure. Structure modification is chemical alteration of known and previously characterized. lead compound for the purpose of enhancing its usefulness as a drug (to improve activity). This could mean enhancing its specificity for a particular body target site, increasing its potency. Examples: Progesterone and estradiol among the sex hormones