New findings reveal innovation in small molecule discovery is accelerating

Though an increasing number of novel chemical compounds are being synthesized each year, there is growing concern that innovation may be stagnating in small molecule discovery. However, new research published by CAS scientists in the October 2019 Journal of Organic Chemistry reveals that the pace of small molecule innovation is actually accelerating from a structural perspective and offers insights into finding fruitful new areas for further investigation as chemists navigate a vast and largely unexplored chemical space.