In the dynamic world of pharmaceuticals and drug discovery, time is of the essence. The analytical tools one chooses may either speed along or hinder the process. Sensitive, efficient instrumentation is required. Raman spectroscopy is dersirable since it is able to measure samples down to 50cm-1 when compared to mid-IR systems only capable of reaching approximately 400cm-1. The feature is very attractive in the pharmaceutical industry because the spectra of most drug lattices are below 200 cm-1.
Raman spectroscopy is especially useful for lattice vibration studies for characterizing the solid state of a drug, as well as investigating polymorphism and amorphous systems. In addition, Raman spectroscopy is also useful in analysis and quantification of drug blends and in the examination of drug formulations and drug excipient incompatibilities.