Uniqsis and WaveCraft collaborate on novel microwave-based flow chemistry solutions
17 January 2012
Uniqsis of Cambridge, UK, and WaveCraft of Uppsala, Sweden, have entered into a collaborative agreement to develop and market a new range of microwave-based flow chemistry systems that will radically improve efficiency when scaling up compound synthesis during drug development.By integrating proven liquid handling technology from Uniqsis with unique microwave applicator technology and reactors from WaveCraft, the two companies will deliver flow chemistry systems that not only speed up synthetic processes and facilitate scale up, but also offer a completely safe solution that uses significantly less energy than conventional approaches. Flow chemistry and microwave synthesis systems have become well established in synthesis laboratories over the last 15 years. WaveCraft’s technology uses a novel applicator and a proprietary microwave generator based on mobile phone technology to apply microwave energy and accelerate chemical reactions. This makes it possible, for the first time, to effectively and safely combine flow chemistry with microwave heating. Scientists will be able to continuously change power and frequency, enabling optimisation during synthesis. They will be able to scale up with no need to re-optimise conditions. Paul Pergande, MD of Uniqsis, comments: “The WaveCraft team is pre-eminent in the field of microwave technology and we believe that their new technology shows exceptional promise. We are very excited to be working with them on this novel approach to microwave-based synthesis which offers real benefits to customers.” Jon-Sverre Schanche, CEO of WaveCraft, adds, “We are extremely pleased that the potential of our technology has been recognised by a company well-established in the field of flow synthesis. Working together will give both companies a great opportunity to offer customers solutions that significantly increase productivity.”
|
|
|
Flow Chemistry Specialist Uniqsis Introduces New Gas Addition Module for Continuous Flow Reactors
20 June 2011
Flow chemistry specialist Uniqsis Ltd is introducing a new Gas Addition Module for the Uniqsis FlowSyn and other continuous flow reactors. The new module enables fast, controllable pre-saturation of liquid reagents with a wide range of gases and so promotes efficient gas-dependent reactions in flow, such as hydrogenation, ozonolysis, carbonylation, and direct synthesis of carboxylic acids.
Mixing gas and liquids in a controllable and reliable manner has always posed a particular challenge for flow chemists, in particular the prevention of undissolved gas bubbles which have an adverse effect on the control of pressure and residence time in flow chemistry. The ingenious pressurised tube-in-tube design of the Gas Addition Module overcomes this problem by ensuring continuous interaction between the gas and liquid at every point along its length.
The tube-in-tube design is based on semi-permeable membrane technology, whereby the semi-permeable inner tube containing the liquid (typically a solvent) is bathed by a stream of pressurised gas which is enclosed within a thick-walled impermeable outer tube. The pressurised gas is able to cross the semi-permeable membrane of the inner tube and dissolve into the liquid carried within. However, because of the semi-permeable nature of the inner tube material, the liquid is unable to cross in the opposite direction. The design was developed in a collaboration between chemists in Professor Steven Ley's group at Cambridge University and is being jointly commercialised by Uniqsis and Cambridge Reactor Design.
The Gas Addition Module is compatible with a wide range of reactive gases (e.g. CO, CO2, H2, D2, ethene, ethyne, SO2) and organic solvents (e.g. THF, MeCN, MeOH, PrOH). Capable of generating a continuous gas-saturated solvent stream in typically less than 10 seconds, it enables flow chemists to carry out a wide variety of applications with minimum effort, including heterogeneous and homogeneous gas-liquid reactions such as hydrogenation, ozonolysis, carbonylation, and direct synthesis of carboxylic acids.
A particularly convenient feature of the Gas Addition Module from Uniqsis is the availability of an optional Portable Gas Reservoir. This handy space-saving device is easy and safe to charge with gas from a larger reservoir and obviates the need to bring bulky pressurised gas cylinders into the immediate experimental area.
The Gas Addition Module can be added in-line to any FlowSyn system and other continuous flow reactors to provide a solvent feed stream pre-saturated with gas, although it can also be used as a reactor in its own right. Paul Pergande, Group MD of Uniqsis, comments: “The Gas Addition Module represents a significant enhancement to the FlowSyn product range and, together with the recently launched Polar Bear chiller module, greatly extends the applications for the FlowSyn continuous flow reactors.”
The Gas Addition Module is available from Uniqsis and its international distribution network. For more information visit www.uniqsis.com, e-mail info@uniqsis.com, or call +44 (0)845 864 7747.
|
|
|
Cambridge Companies Collaborate in the Launch of New Products for Flow Chemistry
May 2011
Uniqsis Ltd and Cambridge Reactor Design Ltd (CRD), both based near Cambridge, England, are collaborating in the commercialisation of an advanced cooling system for continuous flow reactors used in flow chemistry. Known as the FlowSyn Polar Bear™, the new system enables controlled mixing and cooling of reagents at temperatures down to -88°C.
The high performance Polar Bear™ chiller module was developed in conjunction with the Ley Group (Innovative Technology Centre), Cambridge, England, and is specifically intended for flow chemistry applications. Designed as a fully integrated plug-and-play module, the Polar Bear™ uses advanced cooling technology without the need for solid CO2, solvents or heat transfer fluids to deliver rapid cooling down to -88°C at the simple touch of a button. When partnered with the Uniqsis FlowSyn continuous flow reactor, it becomes the perfect tool for rapid pre-cooling of reagents and controlled mixing and cooling of reagents in highly exothermic flow chemistry reactions.
Solutions for cooling flow chemistry reactions below -70°C have historically been cumbersome and inconvenient, involving pressurised gas cylinders and/or heat exchangers. With its fully integrated plug-and-play design, the Polar Bear™ is both easy to install and simple to operate, as well as providing superb cooling performance. Comments Paul Pergande, Group MD of Uniqsis: “We are very pleased to be able to collaborate with CRD on the commercialisation of this important new product. With their expertise in product development for the chemical industry, CRD are in an excellent position to partner us in our mission to broaden the capability and applications of FlowSyn. We are already working with them on commercialising a second product which will be released in the coming weeks - a new gas module which will deliver a gas-saturated solvent input to the FlowSyn flow reactor.”
Dr Bashir Harji, founder and MD of CRD, observes: “As a company we always relish the challenge of developing solutions for difficult applications, so when Uniqsis approached us with the need for advanced cooling technology for their FlowSyn system, we were delighted to be able to work with them.”
The Polar Bear™ module is compatible with all FlowSyn coil reactors and mixer blocks and works in combination with and can be controlled by any FlowSyn system. For example, when combined with FlowSyn Auto-LF, series of combinatorial experiments, each at a different sub-ambient temperature, can automatically be performed in sequence.
The Polar Bear™ is available as a standalone chiller unit with its own control unit or integrated with FlowSyn to make up the FlowSyn Polar Bear™ system. Both options are available from Uniqsis who will be selling and supporting the FlowSyn Polar Bear™ through its offices in the UK and USA and through its international distribution network.
Founded in 2007, Uniqsis has quickly established itself as a developer and global supplier of integrated continuous flow reactors for academic and industrial research institutions engaged in chemical research. The company’s flow reactor system known as FlowSyn enables a wide range of experiments to be carried out safely and efficiently, under precisely controlled temperature and pressure. Typical applications include homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, metalations, combinatorial experiments and library synthesis. The new Uniqsis website covering the latest FlowSyn products and news is now live at www.uniqsis.com
Cambridge Reactor Design, founded in 1989, has a long and successful track record of developing ingenious customised and off-the-shelf solutions for a wide range of applications in the chemical industry, including reactors for continuous and batch processing, robotic workstations for liquid-liquid extractions and filtration as well as systems for corrosion testing and continuous crystallisations. More information on Cambridge Reactor Design’s products and solutions can be found at www.cambridgereactordesign.com.
|
|
|
Cambridge Reactor Design and Uniqsis announce joint marketing agreement
April 2011
Cambridge Reactor Design and Uniqsis are pleased to announce that they have entered into a joint marketing agreement for the Gastropod gas introduction module and the Polar Bear low temperature reactor, for flow chemistry applications.
Both items were developed in conjunction with the Ley group at University of Cambridge and extend the capability of existing equipment for chemistry in flow. The Gastropod allows efficient, controllable and reliable mixing of gas and liquid phases through semi-permeable membrane technology and is suitable for use with a wide range of reactive gases and solvents. The Polar Bear offers accurate and precise temperature control from ambient to -88°C at the touch of a button, employing novel cooling methodology, which is clean and simple.
The two products will be launched in the coming weeks. In the meantime, to find out more, visit www.uniqsis.com or www.cambridgereactordesign.com or contact your local agent.
|
|
|
FlowSyn AUTO-LF™ – The automatic choice for Combinatorial Flow Chemistry
10/2010
FlowSyn AUTO-LF™ – The automatic choice for Combinatorial Flow Chemistry
Uniqsis (Cambridge, UK) has further enhanced the FlowSyn by launching an automated loop filling module (FlowSyn Auto-LF) that allows flow chemists to perform multiple experiments with multiple reagents automatically. With simultaneous loop filling and fraction collection this highly versatile research tool enables chemists to harness the power of flow to deliver more compounds even faster. Not only can this latest addition to the FlowSyn range of continuous flow reactors be used to prepare focussed combinatorial libraries in Flow, it can also perform automated experiment optimisation and reagent screening. Derek Lowe of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, USA, commented, ‘The FlowSyn Auto-LF has given us the flexibility we need to investigate new flow reactions in an automated fashion. We can then turn around and produce arrays of compounds using these chemistries, without a long learning curve.’ According to Dr Mark Ladlow, Uniqsis Chief Scientific Officer, ‘The main focus in developing this system has been to introduce a powerful and highly versatile research tool enabling the chemist to harness the power of Flow Chemistry to deliver compounds more quickly. A serious limitation of existing systems is attributed to the complexity of their user interface. Listening to potential customers we understood the need for a dedicated software interface that is both straightforward and easy to use in an open access environment, and that is what we have delivered.’ One of the main advantages of FlowSyn Auto-LF is that by using a separate liquid handler and fraction collector, sample loop filling for the next experiment can take place before the current experiment has finished, thereby reducing overall runtimes. Additionally, there are no injection ports to leak or block, and the fully integrated robust wash protocols minimise the risk of cross-contamination. Partial filling of loops is allowed so stoichiometry can be varied in subsequent experiments and volumetric accuracy is ensured by sampler calibration to position samples precisely in the loops. Data monitoring is included and the reaction progress can be monitored on the screen in real-time and saved as a log file for each experiment to give an audit trail.
A new brochure covering the latest product range can be downloaded at www.uniqsis.com/products/flowsyn-continuous-flow-reactor-1 Visit www.uniqsis.com, e-mail info@uniqsis.com, or call +44 (0)845 864 7747 for more information.
|
|
|
FlowSyn™ - Your Perfect Match for Flow Chemistry
08/2010
The FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor from Uniqsis (Cambridge, UK) now gives chemists the freedom to choose the FlowSyn system with the appropriate flow path material best suited to their particular chemistry. Flow chemistry in micro-reactors has many advantages over batch processing – better reproducibility and scalability, improved yields and fewer problems with unstable intermediates or exothermic reactions - and the user can now choose a flow path a configuration that is most chemically compatible with the type of chemistry to be performed. A limitation of existing flow reactors is attributable to the use of PEEK components in the flow path. This material is an excellent engineering polymer but has limited compatibility with concentrated mineral and organic acids and very strong organic bases) whereas Uniqsis fit specially modified high pressure pumps that do not contain PEEK. A wider range of chemistries is now possible and the company claims to be the only flow reactor supplier offering this extensive range of chemical compatibility. Reactions requiring the use of strong acids such as nitric acid (nitrations) or powerful organometallic bases such as butyl lithium (metallations) are now routinely possible in flow chemistry. For many scientists the standard FlowSyn (PEEK and PTFE flowpath) offers a practical combination of high pressure capability and good chemical resistance. In response to customer feedback Uniqsis have recently introduced a range of models compatible with a broader range of chemistries. For the broadest chemical resistance, particularly to concentrated mineral acids, FlowSyn PTFE benefits from a flow path constructed entirely from PTFE, however this configuration can only withstand moderate pressures. cont/
Where high pressure operation is a prerequisite FlowSyn Steel has a flowpath constructed from permanently swaged 316S stainless steel tubing. This configuration affords safe operation up to 100 bar (1400psi) and chemical compatibility with strong acids such as concentrated sulphuric acid and TFA. Upon special request, Uniqsis can also offer a customised version (FlowSyn Hastelloy) where the flowpath is constructed from Hastelloy this offers the optimal combination of chemical resistance combined with high pressure capability.
|
|
|
New Manifold improves performance
04/2010
The Uniqsis FlowSyn™ flow chemistry system now has an upgraded pump manifold that continuously monitors each high pressure reagent channel and alerts the user to any flow abnormalities, saving time and precious reagents by preventing experiments continuing under erroneous conditions. Reagent immiscibility, incomplete wetting of pump components or the presence of static or transient air bubbles are the usual causes of the flow irregularities that sometimes occasionally occur during a run and in most cases can be corrected by re-priming the pump. Unfortunately with most systems this usually means aborting the experiment, but with the reagent manifold used in FlowSyn the pump can be re-primed “on the fly”, so that the run can continue. Interlocks are provided so that if the error is not remedied within a specified period, the experiment is aborted. If an error condition is detected in one pump channel, the other is automatically stopped simultaneously until the problem is dealt with. New and improved automatic injection valves are now available for FlowSyn, with specially designed, highly inert rotor seals and larger diameter channels that allow sample loops to be filled more quickly and are less easily blocked. These new valves can be retro-fitted to any FlowSyn unit with electrically operated injection valves. As an added convenience, vertical syringe ports mean that syringes can be left in place during a run to make re-priming easier. The FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor integrates all the essential elements for continuous flow chemistry into a single, easy to use package. FlowSyn is simple to set up and operate and offers safe, unattended operation for tasks such as synthesis, reaction optimisation and scale up experiments, in quantities from milligrams to hundreds of grams.
|
|
|
US Service Partner
03/2010
Uniqsis selects Teledyne Isco as service provider for continuous flow reactor equipment in the USA
Innovative continuous flow reactor manufacturer, Uniqsis Ltd of Cambridge, UK is to utilize the service capabilities of Teledyne Isco, Inc. in the USA. Teledyne Isco will provide post-installation field, depot and warranty repair services, as well as equipment repair service consultation via telephone in the USA for Uniqsis FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor systems. The service agreement is for units installed since January, 2010. Uniqsis will continue to provide sales, marketing, and application support. Teledyne Isco, who markets a range of liquid chromatography equipment for purification of organic compounds, employs a dedicated team of field service engineers in key locations and uses internal call centre engineers to provide repair service support throughout the United States. Uniqsis is now focusing significant effort on increasing sales and customer service in the US market. To manage the developing business opportunities in the US first hand, Samantha Dunnage, Uniqsis COO, is basing herself on the East Coast of the USA. Dunnage explained: “Deciding to base myself on the East Coast of the US in the hotbed of Pharma and Biotech has helped to increase the market’s awareness of Uniqsis, and customers feel reassured to have a local representative to assist with training and technical questions. We recognize that the size of the US market made it imperative that all areas of the country have support. That is why we made the decision to look for cont/ a service provider who has the same customer-focused support philosophy with service engineers located in key regional areas.” Since its launch in 2007, the FlowSyn™ reactor has proved a popular instrument within the chemistry research market sector. The reactor’s ease of use and flexibility have allowed chemists to widen the scope of chemistry they can perform in the lab and effortlessly scale up reactions to multi hundred gram batches. Uniqsis customers will receive excellent service and support. The robustness of FlowSyn™, coupled with the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction, has seen the market for FlowSyn™ increase dramatically, with many customers purchasing multiple instruments. FlowSyn™ customer, Peter Bonk, Ph.D., Head of Chemistry at CSCS Corp, said: “We looked carefully at the flow systems on the market and decided to purchase the FlowSyn™ reactor from Uniqsis because of its capabilities and ease of use. Service was also a key element we considered".
|
|
|
Uniqsis - Uninterrupted Flow Chemistry!
01/2010
The Uniqsis FlowSyn™ flow chemistry system now has an upgraded pump manifold that continuously monitors each high pressure reagent channel and alerts the user to any flow abnormalities, saving time and precious reagents by preventing experiments continuing under erroneous conditions. Reagent immiscibility, incomplete wetting of pump components or the presence of static or transient air bubbles are the usual causes of the flow irregularities that sometimes occasionally occur during a run, and in most cases can be corrected by re-priming the pump. Unfortunately with most systems this usually means aborting the experiment, but with the reagent manifold used in FlowSyn the pump can be re-primed “on the fly”, so that the run can continue.
Interlocks are provided so that if the error is not remedied within a specified period, the experiment is aborted. If an error condition is detected in one pump channel, the other is automatically stopped simultaneously until the problem is dealt with.
New and improved automatic injection valves are now available for FlowSyn, with specially designed, highly inert rotor seals and larger diameter channels that allow sample loops to be filled more quickly and are less easily blocked. These new valves can be retro-fitted to any FlowSyn unit with electrically operated injection valves. As an added convenience, vertical syringe ports mean that syringes can be left in place during a run to make re-priming easier.
The FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor integrates all the essential elements for continuous flow chemistry into a single, easy to use package. FlowSyn is simple to set up and operate and offers safe, unattended operation for tasks such as synthesis, reaction optimisation and scale up experiments, in quantities from milligrams to hundreds of grams.
|
|
|
Sub-Ambient Flow Chemistry
03/2009
A new interchangeable reactor tray is now available for the Uniqsis FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor that extends the system?s working temperature range down to -40?C. The ?Cold Tray? Reactor Module was developed in response to user requests for sub-ambient capability and can be fitted retrospectively to existing FlowSyn systems in a few minutes.
|
|
|
FlowSyn Multiple Experiment package
12/2008
New functionality for the Uniqsis FlowSyn continuous flow reactor allows the user to conduct multiple flow chemistry experiments in a single run - ideal for reaction optimisation, profiling or scale up.
Introduced at the recent 2nd Uniqsis Flow Chemistry Symposium in Cambridge, the optional Multiple Experiment Package integrates the FlowSyn reactor with a Gilson FC203B or FC204 fraction collector to produce a very compact, cost-effective system capable of running up to 10 sequential experiments with different reaction times, temperatures and reagent ratios. Everything, including the fraction collector, is controlled via the easy-to-use FlowSyn user interface, so no separate PC is needed. Setting up 10 experiments takes only a few minutes, as the user only has to set up one reaction completely. This is then replicated to create a series of experiments, in which individual parameters can easily be modified by the chemist using a simple spreadsheet user interface.
Two operating protocols are available. In fractionation mode, reaction products are collected in programmed fractions. In the unique optimisation mode, product is collected, during a programmable window, in a single vial. A small aliquot can also be taken during the experiment and delivered into an LCMS vial where it can be mixed with a quench reagent so that reaction progress can be measured.
FlowSyn offers several choices of reactor. The innovative FlowSyn coiled reactors (patent pending) are available with different volumes and materials ? stainless steel, PTFE or PEEK and Hastelloy? and can be used at up to 260?C and pressures up to 1000psi (~70 Bar) in complete safety. A variety of column reactors is also available, and the new FlowSyn cooling tray takes reaction temperatures down to -60?C.
|
|
|
FlowSyn continuous flow reactor is making high temperature chemistry available in no time at all
06/2008
The preparation of pharmacologically important 2-amino-pyridines by direct nucleophilic displacement of unactivated 2-chloropyridine requires harsh conditions and is typically low yielding.
This situation can be resolved by the use of metal catalysed cross-coupling conditions, but this necessitates more extensive purification to subsequently remove the metal catalyst.
Alternatively, the direct uncatalysed preparation of 2?morpholinyl-pyridine, for example, may be straightforwardly achieved conversion under continuous throughput conditions by heating a mixture of morpholine and unactivated 2-chloropyridine to 250oC in NMP for only 20 min. 2-Morpholinyl-pyridine is obtained in high yield and excellent purity.
FlowSyn? is able to perform this chemistry safely and automatically, freeing up the user to concentrate on their next discovery.
|
|
|
Continuous Flow Synthesis Gets Hotter
05/2008
Raising the reaction temperature achievable with the FlowSyn? Continuous Flow Reactor has considerably widened the scope of reactions that can be performed, say manufacturers Uniqsis of Cambridge. Reactions can now be carried out at up to 260?C and pressures up to 1000psi (~70 Bar).
|
|
|
Turning the Tide with Flow Chemistry
04/2008
by Dr Mark Ladlow
The advent of direct microwave heating has become an established and useful methodology in the synthetic chemists toolbox. An alternative approach, however, utilises continuous processing. ?Flow chemistry? has the potential to deliver advantages on two levels. Firstly, the need to reduce cost is increasingly attracting the attention of the drug discovery community. In particular, the adoption of continuous flow processes presents an opportunity to reduce cycle times and impact the whole of the drug discovery process from early stage R&D to the eventual successful production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
|
|
|
Flow Chemistry Company Moves Ahead
01/2008
Significant developments are reported by Uniqsis, the Cambridge-based joint venture company formed in January 2007 to develop a new concept in flow chemistry, leading to the launch of the FlowSyn? Continuous Flow Reactor at the end of last year.
|
|
|
Companies unite to deliver product within year!
01/2008
Two Cambridge companies have forged an alliance to overcome the fuzziness of the front end of innovation, resulting in the rapid formation of an entirely new product, from concept to manufacture in less than one year...
|
|
|
Easier Optimisation and Scale-Up with new Flow Reactor
11/2007
Easier scale-up without re-optimisation using a new micro-reactor is described in a new Applications Note from Uniqsis Ltd of Cambridge...
|
|
|
Uniqsis New High Performance Flow Reactor
11/2007
A novel new micro-reactor, now available for the FlowSyn? reaction system recently launched by Uniqsis Ltd of Cambridge, is claimed to offer major improvements in reproducibility and performance compared with conventional flow reactor designs.
|
|
|
New Continuous Flow Reactor launched
11/2007
Uniqsis Ltd of Cambridge have 'Accessible Flow Chemistry' as their maxim, and the new FlowSyn? Continuous Flow Reactor has clearly been developed with this in mind.
|
|
|
Microreaction System Nears Launch
08/2007
Cambridge UK: Uniqsis Ltd, the Cambridge-based company formed in January 2007 to develop a new concept in microreaction flow chemistry has announced major progress towards launching FlowSyn? later in the year.
|
|
|
New Company Focuses on Flow Chemistry
05/2007
Two well known Cambridge-based science companies have joined forces to develop a new concept in flow chemistry aimed at bringing this promising synthesis technique within the reach of every laboratory.
|