Which Develops First, the Chemical or the Market?

Abstract

COMMERCIAL chemical development usually proceeds from either of two situations: the discovery of a new chemical and a good process for making it, but with no market yet in sight; or the appreciation of a need for a chemical to perform a definite function, but with no appropriate molecular structure yet developed. However, upon the discovery of a new chemical or with the appreciation of a need for a chemical, a proper balance and close coordination between chemical research and market research must be maintained from the very beginning of the market development program. More than 500,000 organic compounds have been described in the literature; of these about 5,000 or 1%, are being made commercially. Obviously, therefore, here is a great future for those who are interested in applied chemical research, market and product development, and technical sales and service. Many of these organic compounds may never come to fruition. Frequently, however, the ...