Chemical Research

Internal research projects at FCAD are primarily targeted to result in long-term commercial benefit. The continuous investment in development and implementation of new chemistries and technologies is regarded as crucial for future success. Especially, since stringent requirements from authorities and the demand for more complex structures from clients require major efforts to remain competitive. In particular, the increasing interest significantly more complex compounds represents a challenge for all fine chemical manufacturers. Unlike biotechnological production, the synthetic access to these compounds allows for substantial fine-tuning of these structures. As a consequence, products with tailored properties can be developed, offering opportunities to achieve patent protection for the optimized structures.

This is in line with the requirements of the biotech- and pharmaceutical industries for more selective medicines. In addition, ongoing research continues to generate an incredible amount of knowledge regarding fine chemicals derived thereof.

The enhanced interest in complex compounds is a logical consequence of this development. In particular, the progress in mass spectrometric techniques has facilitated the discovery of more complex compounds, and as considerable progress in synthesis and ligation technologies has been realized, these molecules are well within the scope of current synthetic methodologies. FCAD’s research projects originate from the idea to continuously evaluate new chemistries and technologies to improve on existing processes in a dynamic fashion.

By “Connect + Develop”, collaborations with external research institutions like Institute of Organic Chemistry in UK, USA, Germany, Switzerland, India and China are thought to complement these activities. At some of these institutions, FCAD sponsors professorship for fine chemistry since 1996, both to support research in fine chemistry, and to encourage young talent.