September/October 2024

In the second installment of “The Big Review,” we discuss the physical mechanism behind how molecules absorb infrared (IR) radiation. Because light can be thought of as a wave or a particle, we have two equivalent pictures of IR absorbance. We also discuss the quantum mechanics behind IR absorbance, and how this leads to the different peak types observed in IR spectrum.

Data process mapping is an effective way to identify data integrity vulnerabilities and remediate them. A modified example published by the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Committee (APIC) is reviewed critically. Can it be simplified?

This column is the continuation of our previous column that describes and explains some algorithms and data transforms beyond those most commonly used. We present and discuss algorithms that are rarely, if ever, seen or used in practice, despite that they have been proposed and described in the literature.

In this article, we introduce the concept of a gas exchange device (GED) and how it can be used to monitor organometallic compounds and metallic particles in specialty gases.

This year’s Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award recipient is Joseph P. Smith of Merck, whose research is significantly influencing pharmaceutical process development through his work in various spectroscopic techniques, biocatalysis, protein engineering, vaccine production, and advanced data analysis methods.

A recent study out of Russia examined the application of Raman spectroscopy in biomedical and biological research.