Lessons Learned in Organic Process Chemistry

Abstract

Published as part of Organic Process Research & Development special issue “Lessons Learned in Organic Process Chemistry”. The saying “failure is the mother of success” is familiar across cultures, and nowhere is it more relevant than in the practice of process chemistry. Behind every successful scale-up or robust manufacturing route lies a history of experiments that did not work as planned. These moments, though often left unspoken, are not wasted efforts. They are the foundation on which durable processes we develop and commercialize are built. In our field, progress rarely follows a straight line. The pursuit of an optimal process for a novel pharmaceutical or agrochemical entity requires navigating unexpected outcomes, revisiting assumptions, and adapting strategies. Impurities emerge without warning, crystallization pathways never meet our expectations, and reaction conditions that seem ideal on paper or even small scale can unravel at scale. Each challenge becomes a source of learning─insight that shapes the next experiment, the next campaign, and ultimately, the success of a program. What distinguishes process chemistry is not only the ingenuity of its technical solutions but also the willingness of its experts in the field to learn from the difficulties they have encountered and share those learnings. Communication is our most powerful tool. By recording and exchanging the lessons of setbacks as well as successes, we accelerate discovery, avoid repeating costly detours, and collectively raise the standard of our discipline. Traditionally, the academic record has emphasized positive results and final outcomes, while the equally important “negative data” have remained within individual laboratories or organizations. This Special Issue of Organic Process Research & Development takes a different approach. It shines a light on the knowledge gained from failures, unexpected results, and the insights that arise from them. By curating these experiences, we aim to transform private lessons into a positive experience so that then shared wisdom can benefit the broader community. We hope that the case studies presented in this Special Issue will serve as both guideposts and encouragement. For the next generation of process chemists, they demonstrate that setbacks are not end points but turning points. For experienced practitioners, they provide a reminder that our discipline advances most when we are candid about the full journey of development, not just its successes. May these contributions inspire all of us to continue learning, recording, and sharing the lessons that shape the art and science of process chemistry. This article has not yet been cited by other publications.