Pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacture

The bulk active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals have much in common and many manufacturing companies are active in both businesses. In either case, the bulk active ingredients are of very high value and are ultimately supplied to internal and/or external businesses for conversion into final dosage forms. 

The applications of solvents can be categorised into three main areas  

To solubilise reagents and/or minimise unwanted side reactions. In some cases the solvent itself may actually be a reagent or will allow the ideal, or safest, reaction conditions to be achieved (e.g. pH, low temperature, etc.). 

To extract preferentially the reaction products or unwanted by-products once the reaction is complete. 

To purify the final product or purify reaction intermediates prior to further processing. 

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