Asynt reports on how a DrySyn Octo 8-position parallel synthesiser has benefited early stage discovery chemistry at Cancer Research UK (Cambridge, UK). Designed to work with any hotplate stirrer, the DrySyn Octo has enabled the CRUK Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories to increase the productivity of their small-scale synthetic reactions.
Dr Peter Blencowe, a senior scientist at the CRUK Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories commented: "We have used the DrySyn Octo to perform a variety of heterogeneous catalysis reactions under nitrogen to eliminate formation of side products. Using DrySyn Octo parallel reactions are very easy to set up, saving time on the degassing and space on the heating arrangement required. We all like the unit and it has particularly helped us improve workflow when tasked with doing arrays of heated reactions in early discovery chemistry."
The parallel synthesiser is an easy-to-use entry-level product for chemists wishing to conduct synthetic reactions under an inert atmosphere with temperature control, reflux and powerful magnetic stirring. The compact unit accommodates low cost consumable reaction tubes each with a working volume of 5-6ml. The large surface area of these glass reaction tubes enables the system to be used for air cooled gentle reflux reactions. Up to three units can be employed together on any standard magnetic hotplate stirrer, using a DrySyn Multi baseplate. In this Octo+ configuration users can perform 24 parallel reactions in a very small space. Gas tight closure on each tube connection enables reactions under inert atmospheres to be carried out. Additions or reaction sampling can be made whilst under inert conditions using a syringe.
