Catalysis is a process in which a substance, known as a catalyst, accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed or altered. Precious metal catalysts, which include metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold, are highly effective in promoting various chemical reactions due to their unique electronic properties. The catalytic properties can be furtuer enhanced through the interaction with ligands.

In CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) services, precious metal catalysts play a crucial role in the development and production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. These catalysts are employed to enhance reaction rates, improve product yields, and increase process efficiency, all while minimizing waste generation and environmental impact.

The application of precious metal catalysts in R&D and manufacturing offers several benefits. For instance, these catalysts can promote highly selective reactions, which is essential for producing complex pharmaceutical molecules with a high degree of purity. Moreover, they often enable reactions to occur under milder conditions, reducing energy consumption and the need for hazardous chemicals.