The R-Series integrated flow chemistry platform can now use up to 4 pumped channels, with full support from the R-Series software, and full pump performance monitoring (to ensure no loss of accuracy caused by trapped air). Scroll down for a picture of this in use.
This facility (combined with the R-Series’ four separate temperature control zones), makes a lot of things possible that were simply not possible before. These are outlined below.
Please note:
Every one of the scenarios illustrated below is possible with
- An off the shelf Vapourtec system requiring no modification
- Final product captured in a vial using a standard fraction collector
- Many successive cycles executed in a totally automated fashion, with no intervention
- UV traces recorded for each vial of product captured, if required, and presented in a report.
Pumping multiple reagents opens up further techniques including:
- Up to 4 Reagents in one reaction – optimise more, save preparation time
- Optimisation of concentration – optimise overall reaction concentration as a variable, or simply save reagent preparation time
- Multi Stage reactions – introduce reagents at various stages as required
- Partial Additions – improve selectivity by adding key reagents in steps
- Quenching – improve quenching and save reagents
- Aqueous Workup – inline aqueous workup under far greater control
- Automatic Regeneration of columns – automate regeneration cycles, run for longer unattended
- Catch and Release – completely automate any number of cycles
Up to 4 Reagents in one reaction
Separating each reaction component into a separate channel permits all the proportions to be optimised. It can also save on reaction preparation time. Tell the control software the molar concentration of each solution and the flow rates can be automatically calculated by the R-Series software.
Optimisation of concentration
By using concentrated reagents and a separate channel of reaction solvent, it is possible to include reaction concentration as one of the variables to be optimised
Multi Stage Reactions
With R-Series multi-pump software, the addition of each intermediate reagent is perfectly timed to arrive when required, ensuring absolutely no waste of reagents. Up to 8 pumps can be controlled automatically.
Partial Additions
It may be beneficial to add a key reagent incrementally rather than all at once at the start of the reaction, to improve selectivity. This can minimise overreaction of product with one of the reagents, or minimise the degradation of any sensitive reagents under reaction conditions.
Quenching
Sometimes, with short reactor residence times, it may be necessary to quench the reaction immediately on exit from the reactor. Using a dedicated channel for this permits perfect timing, efficient use of quench reagents, and ensures all product receives the right amount of fresh quenching reagent.
Aqueous Workup
Typically aqueous workup is a fairly crude process. But when proportions, time, and temperature can all be controlled and optimised as part of the workup, it becomes a much more precise process.
Automatic Regeneration of columns
Immobilised catalyst columns can be limited by their lifetime before needing regeneration. By dedicating a reagent channel to the regeneration process, it is possible to automate large numbers of cycles and maintain catalyst activity for all reactions.
Catch and Release
By using some channels for the initial reaction and then another for removing the products from the column, it is possible to completely automate any number of successive catch and release reactions.
