Pfizer Executive Research Trainee Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

The role of a ligand in Suzuki coupling reaction is to facilitate the formation of a stable complex between the catalyst and the reactants.

• A ligand coordinates with the catalyst metal center, enhancing its reactivity and selectivity.

• It helps in stabilizing the transition state and lowering the activation energy of the reaction.

• Different ligands can influence the reaction rate and product distribution.

• Common ligands use...read more

I am well-versed with the mechanism of the Grignard reaction.

• Grignard reaction involves the addition of an organomagnesium halide to a carbonyl compound.

• It is a nucleophilic addition reaction.

• The reaction is highly useful in organic synthesis, especially for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds.

• Examples include the synthesis of alcohols, carboxylic acids, and ketones.

• The reaction is named after French chemist Victor Gr

Mass spectrometry is a technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

• Electrospray ionization (ESI)

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)

• Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS)

UV spectrometry is a technique that measures the absorption or transmission of ultraviolet light by a sample.

• UV spectrometry is based on the principle that different molecules absorb UV light at specific wavelengths.

• It is commonly used in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of a substance in a sample.

• UV spectrometry can be used to analyze the purity of a compound or identify unknown substances.

• The instr...read more

To prepare 0.1 N HCl and NaOH, you need to calculate the required amount of the respective chemicals and dilute them in water.

• Calculate the molar mass of HCl and NaOH

• Determine the volume of solution needed

• Use the formula: Normality (N) = (Number of equivalents / Volume of solution in liters)

• For 0.1 N HCl, calculate the number of equivalents of HCl and dilute it to the desired volume

• For NaOH, calculate the number of equ...read more

Quality assurance is the process of ensuring that products or services meet the desired level of quality.

• It involves establishing standards and procedures to ensure that products or services meet those standards.

• It includes monitoring and evaluating the quality of products or services to identify areas for improvement.

• It also involves taking corrective action when necessary to address quality issues.

• Examples include co...read more

Recall definitions

• Recall: the ability to retrieve information from memory

• Definition: a statement that explains the meaning of a word or phrase

• Research: the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions

• Associate: a person who works with others towards a common goal

• Hypothesis: a proposed explanation for a phenomenon

• Experiment: a scientific procedure...read more

The type of HPLC used depends on the specific research requirements and objectives.

• There are several types of HPLC systems available, including reverse phase, normal phase, ion exchange, size exclusion, and affinity chromatography.

• The choice of HPLC system depends on the properties of the analyte, such as polarity, size, charge, and affinity.

• For example, reverse phase HPLC is commonly used for the separation of nonpola...read more

UV detectors and HPLC detectors are used in research to analyze and quantify substances.

• UV detectors are commonly used in UV-visible spectroscopy to measure the absorption of light by a sample at different wavelengths.

• HPLC detectors are used in high-performance liquid chromatography to detect and quantify the components of a mixture.

• Common types of UV detectors include diode array detectors (DAD) and photodiode array d...read more

Matrix in MALDI MS system is a substance used to assist in ionization of the sample for analysis.

• Matrix is a substance that absorbs energy from the laser and transfers it to the sample, causing ionization.

• The choice of matrix depends on the type of sample being analyzed.

• Common matrices include alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and sinapinic acid (SA).

The challenge test of a machine is a test to determine its capabilities and limitations.

• The challenge test should be designed to push the machine to its limits.

• It should be conducted in a controlled environment to ensure safety.

• Examples of challenge tests include stress tests, endurance tests, and performance tests.

• The results of the challenge test can be used to improve the machine's design and performance.

Water solid compound is ice.

• Water solid compound is formed when water freezes.

• The solid form of water is known as ice.

• Ice has a crystalline structure and a lower density than liquid water.

• Ice can exist in different forms, such as ice cubes, snowflakes, or glaciers.

Compounds that can be analyzed using HPLC, GC, and MC.

• Polar compounds are suitable for HPLC analysis.

• Non-polar compounds are suitable for GC analysis.

• Compounds that are thermally stable can be analyzed using MC.

• Examples of compounds suitable for all three techniques include caffeine and aspirin.

FFS machine stands for Form-Fill-Seal machine, which is a packaging machine used to form, fill, and seal products in various industries.

• FFS machine is commonly used in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

• It is an automated machine that can produce packaging materials on-site.

• The machine forms a package from a flat roll of film, fills it with the product, and then seals it.

• FFS machines c...read more

Kaizen is a Japanese term for continuous improvement. It involves making small, incremental changes to improve processes and systems.

• Kaizen is a philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement in all aspects of an organization.

• It involves identifying areas for improvement, making small changes, and then evaluating the results.

• Kaizen can be applied to any process or system, from manufacturing to healthcare.

• Examples of...read more

Transformers are electrical devices that transfer energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction.

• Transformers are used to increase or decrease voltage levels in electrical circuits

• They consist of two coils of wire wrapped around a magnetic core

• The primary coil is connected to the input voltage and the secondary coil to the output load

• Step-up transformers increase voltage while step-down transform...read more