Exhibit 23.1



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated February 4, 1998 included in or incorporated by
reference into ChiRex Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, into ChiRex Inc.'s previously filed Registration Statement
No. 333-02216 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-02218 on Form S-8 and
Registration Statement No. 333-0220 on Form S-8.


                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
March 10, 1998