Caveat Layers
Documentation of important constraints, limitations, or boundary conditions that contextualize research insights.
What is a Caveat Layer?
A Caveat Layer documents limitations or constraints that affect the applicability of a published insight. These layers are essential for establishing boundary conditions and preventing misapplication of methodologies.
Caveat layers help researchers avoid unproductive experimental paths by clearly delineating substrate scope, reaction incompatibilities, equipment requirements, or other practical constraints that may not be immediately apparent from the original publication.
How to Add a Caveat Layer
1Identify the Limitation
Determine the specific constraint you observed. Common categories include:
- Substrate scope limitations (incompatible functional groups)
- Equipment or infrastructure requirements (specialized light sources, inert atmosphere)
- Scalability constraints (reactions that fail at larger scales)
- Reagent purity or quality dependencies
- Environmental sensitivity (moisture, oxygen, temperature control)
2Navigate to Add Layer
Open the insight page, scroll to the Layers section, click "Add Layer," and select "Caveat" from the layer type menu.
Note: Ensure your caveat is specific and actionable. Vague statements like "may not work for all substrates" are less helpful than "fails with electron-rich arenes (e.g., anisole derivatives)."
3Document the Constraint
Write a concise, evidence-based description of the limitation. Include:
- Specific conditions or substrates affected
- Observed consequences (low yield, side products, no reaction)
- Potential workarounds (if known)
Example
Substrate Scope Limitation
"The reported photoredox decarboxylative alkylation fails with electron-rich carboxylic acids (e.g., alkoxyacetic acids). Attempted with 2-methoxyacetic acid under standard conditions (Ir[dF(CF₃)ppy]₂(dtbbpy)PF₆, 456 nm LED, DMSO) resulted in <5% product formation and significant substrate decomposition. Electron-neutral and electron-poor carboxylic acids proceed as reported."
Common Pitfalls
Overgeneralization
Be specific about which substrates or conditions are affected. Avoid broad claims without supporting evidence.
Lack of experimental detail
Provide enough information for others to understand the context of the limitation (e.g., which substrates failed, what was observed).
Confusing limitations with failures
A caveat documents inherent constraints, not failed reproduction attempts (use Reproduction layers for that).