Flow chemistry innovator Syrris has introduced two new modules for its AFRICA (Automated Flow Reaction Incubation and Control Apparatus) system.
The new reagent injection and product collection modules allow fully automated synthesis, improving throughput and extending walk-away time. The modules are said to be suited to the production of synthetic libraries, or for use in reagent screening, reaction optimisation, kinetic studies, degradation studies and logD screening.
According to Syrris, AFRICA has become established as a highly efficient, automated flow system for reaction optimisation in both medicinal and process chemistry. Allowing a series of controlled reactions to be carried out under laminar flow, AFRICA improves reaction time, experimental optimisation and reproducibility.
With the introduction of the new reagent injection module, hundreds of compounds, separated from each other by solvent, can be injected into the flow reactor under pressure. By injecting multiple reactions into the flowing stream in series, several reactions are in the system at any one time, significantly increasing experimental throughput.
The new product collection module and integrated fraction collector allow individual reactions to be automatically collected in tubes or vials and unwanted solvent to be diverted to waste. With the ability to choose point of collection - i.e. the heart of the reaction for maximum concentration or purity, or the diffusion/dispersion areas for maximum recovery - these new modules can significantly aid experimental efficiency and minimise waste or loss of product, says Syrris.