Ligand selector steers C–N cross-couplings down most sustainable path

An image showing the concept of using machine learning in chemistry synthesis

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Tool is step towards strategy that considers reagents and reactants above and below the arrow

Researchers have used machine learning to develop a tool that predicts which ligands for a metal-catalysed coupling reaction will result in a synthetic route with the lowest environmental and financial cost. The idea could be expanded into a system to help pharmaceutical organisations select how to manufacture a drug.