diff --git a/rmgpy/rmg/model.py b/rmgpy/rmg/model.py
index ff0c3de9260..1e425105992 100644
--- a/rmgpy/rmg/model.py
+++ b/rmgpy/rmg/model.py
@@ -418,8 +418,12 @@ def make_new_reaction(self, forward, check_existing=True, generate_thermo=True):
         """
 
         # Determine the proper species objects for all reactants and products
-        reactants = [self.make_new_species(reactant, generate_thermo=generate_thermo)[0] for reactant in forward.reactants]
-        products = [self.make_new_species(product, generate_thermo=generate_thermo)[0] for product in forward.products]
+        try:
+            reactants = [self.make_new_species(reactant, generate_thermo=generate_thermo)[0] for reactant in forward.reactants]
+            products = [self.make_new_species(product, generate_thermo=generate_thermo)[0] for product in forward.products]
+        except:
+            logging.error("Error when making species in reaction {forward:s} from {forward.family:s}")
+            raise
         if forward.specific_collider is not None:
             forward.specific_collider = self.make_new_species(forward.specific_collider)[0]