Reproduction Layers
Evidence-based documentation of attempts to replicate published experimental procedures and validate reported outcomes.
What is a Reproduction Layer?
A Reproduction Layer documents your attempt to replicate experimental conditions described in a published insight. This layer type serves a critical role in validating scientific claims and establishing the reproducibility of photoredox chemistry methodologies.
Reproduction layers help the research community understand which procedures transfer reliably across laboratories, which require specialized equipment or expertise, and where hidden dependencies may exist.
How to Add a Reproduction Layer
1Navigate to the Insight
Open the research article or insight page you attempted to replicate. Scroll to the "Layers" section below the main content.
Tip: Ensure you are logged in with a verified account. Reproduction layers require authentication.
2Select Reproduction Layer Type
Click "Add Layer" and choose "Reproduction" from the layer type selector. Then, select the outcome that best describes your result:
- Worked: Successfully replicated with similar or better results
- Partial: Achieved partial success or results differed from published data
- Failed: Unable to reproduce the reported outcome despite following the protocol
3Provide Experimental Details
In the text field, describe your replication attempt concisely. Include:
- Key experimental conditions (temperature, solvents, light source)
- Substrate variations (if any)
- Observed outcomes (yield, selectivity, side products)
- Deviations from the original protocol (if necessary)
Important: Focus on objective, reproducible observations. Avoid subjective interpretations or speculative claims.
Example
Outcome: Worked
"Reproduced the dual nickel/photoredox C–N coupling using the reported conditions (Ir[dF(CF₃)ppy]₂(dtbbpy)PF₆ (1 mol%), NiCl₂·glyme (10 mol%), 456 nm LED, DMF, rt). Obtained 82% isolated yield with electron-neutral aryl bromides (original paper: 85%). Reaction proceeded cleanly with minimal side products. No deviation from the published protocol."
Common Pitfalls
Incomplete experimental details
Always specify key parameters (light source wavelength, catalyst loading, reaction time).
Subjective language
Use objective observations ("obtained 45% yield") instead of interpretations ("the reaction didn\'t work well").
Missing substrate information
Specify which substrates you tested, especially if results varied across different structures.