When a scientific inquiry reaches a roadblock, how is one to know when to push forward toward the goal and when to cut losses by stopping?  In an industrial context where monetary value must be created above and beyond what is invested in R&D, quickly recognizing and redirecting from a nonproductive line of inquiry is of paramount importance.  This presentation frames the question in a way familiar to chemists.  By identifying the limiting reagent in a process and determining the likelihood of augmenting the supply, researchers can identify and impersonally communicate critical limits to an R&D project.  Although focused on chemical industry, this framework will also help save time, money, and frustration in academic chemical enterprises as well.

Find the limiting reagent: How and when to say "no" in chemical enterprise

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.