The ArrheniusOne flow system combines uniform heating with the continuous processing capabilities.
Cambridge-based Uniqsis has launched ithe ArrheniusOne Flow, its first benchtop continuous-flow, microwave-assisted flow chemistry system for organic synthesis (CF-MAOS).
The system combines the novel microwave technology of WaveCraft’s ArrheniusOne microwave generator/applicator with the proven liquid handling technology of the FlowSyn continuous flow chemistry system from Uniqsis.
Typical CF-MAOS applications include chemistries widely used in drug synthesis such as Suzuki-Miyaura and Heck reactions, Fischer indole synthesis and Claisen rearrangements.
Microwave mediated heating is now a well established methodology for batch synthesis.
In the laboratory, under superheated conditions at moderate pressures, the benefits of rapid heating can produce significant reaction rate enhancements.
However, when safety considerations associated with the use of large pressurised batch vessels are taken into account, the subsequent scale-up of microwave mediated chemistries has not always been straightforward or even possible.
Now, a combination of the rapid, uniform heating generated by the ArrheniusOneTM microwave module and the continuous processing capability of the FlowSyn system safely facilitates rapid optimisation followed by the direct scale-up of microwave chemistries under continuous flow-through conditions.
In contrast to existing resonant magnetron-based microwaves, the ArrheniusOne microwave generator/applicator produces microwaves using a novel solid-state amplifier.
These are then applied axially to the sample via a waveguide and antenna to ensure rapid and uniform heating. A key advantage associated with the use of a solid-state microwave generator as opposed to a conventional magnetron is that microwave power and frequency can automatically be ’tuned’ in real time to compensate for changes in microwave absorption with temperature.
In this way, optimal processing conditions can be maintained and power usage minimised consistent with green operating principles.
The ArrheniusOne Flow operates at temperatures up to 300°C, with temperature stability assured by continuous monitoring with an integrated IR pyrometer.
The ArrheniusOne Flow is available as a complete system combining the ArrheniusOne microwave module either with FlowSyn or with the new standalone Uniqsis Binary Pump Module plus PC controller. The ArrheniusOne module is also available as a ’retrofit’ to existing FlowSyn systems.
