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Operant Scientific
Literature to validated synthesis

Cheaper, greener, patentable routes.

Route scouting is where we most consistently exceed European buyer expectations. Every engagement delivers a comparative scorecard (cost, PMI, safety, IP freedom) plus a lab-verified proof-of-concept for the recommended route.

See the processTalk to the lead
Engagement length
8–14 weeks typical
Deliverable
2-3 scored routes + PoC + tech report
Scorecard axes
Cost · PMI · Safety · IP freedom · Timeline
Best result to date
PMI −42%, cost −33% vs literature route
Process

Five stages from brief to delivery.

Timelines vary by molecule and scope; the shape below applies to every engagement.

  1. Step 01

    Literature review

    Structured survey of academic and patent literature; IP freedom map.

  2. Step 02

    Route ideation

    3–5 candidate routes with critical-bond analysis and hot-spot flags.

  3. Step 03

    Retrosynthesis

    Bond-disconnection strategy with reagent, cost, and PMI projections.

  4. Step 04

    Proof-of-concept

    Lab-scale synthesis of the recommended route with in-process controls.

  5. Step 05

    Handover report

    Comparative scorecard, PoC data package, transfer-ready SOPs.

Equipment & governance

The specific tools, standards, and headcount.

R&D lab capability

  • Lab reactors 100 mL–20 L×15

    Jacketed, temperature-controlled, glass-lined

  • Chiral chromatography×2
  • Hydrogenation minibench×2

    Parr shakers up to 6 bar

  • PhD chemists (permanent)×12

Deliverables

  • Route scorecard (Excel + PDF)

    Cost, PMI, IP-freedom, safety-hazard axis

  • Comparative synthesis matrix

    All viable routes ranked with rationale

  • PoC data package

    HPLC, NMR, IR, XRPD confirmation

  • IP-freedom memo

    Patent-map analysis with recommended claims strategy

Representative case

One example, real numbers.

Recent engagement

PMI cut by 42% on a European molecule.

Six-month route scouting engagement replaced the client's four-step literature route with a three-step alternative — halving solvent usage and passing first-time EU regulatory review.

Molecule
Small-molecule NCE
Market
EU + UK
Timeline
6 months
Outcome
PMI −42% · cost −33%
Read the full caseRepresentative case — full attribution under NDA.

Route scouting — capability deck

A ten-page PDF written by our subject-matter lead for this capability. Delivered by email within one business day, always signed by a director.

  • Delivers 2-3 scored routes plus a lab-verified proof of concept
  • IP-freedom map with patent-landscape analysis and recommended claims strategy
  • Comparative scorecard on cost, PMI, safety, IP, and timeline

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Other capabilities

Five more under the same QA framework.

All capabilities

CDMO & CMO

Full-service contract development and manufacturing under one QA framework.

API manufacturing

cGMP API and intermediates production at pilot and commercial scale.

Analytical testing

Method development to ICH Q2(R2) validation, plus QC release testing and stability studies.

Technology transfer

Site-to-site and stage-to-stage transfers with signed transfer protocols.

R&D and innovation

Small-molecule discovery, process R&D, and green-chemistry alternatives on every route.

Ready when you are

Prefer a live conversation?

Book a call with the Route scouting lead — no gatekeeping, no BD filter.

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