In situ FTIR reaction analysis of pharmaceutical-related chemistry and processes.

The potential for the production of increasing numbers of drug candidates as a result of combinatorial techniques, coupled with the necessity of striving for safer, more efficient processes, poses a special challenge and opportunity to the development chemist and engineer. In support of this quest for better molecules and processes, in situ analytical methodologies are becoming an ever-important ally. In particular, in situ FTIR spectroscopy is providing a wealth of information about reaction kinetics, pathways and mechanisms for a wide range of chemistry in both academic and industrial laboratories. This review article provides an historic perspective on the use of in situ FTIR spectroscopy and covers the recent literature published as a variety of pharmaceutical-related topics.