Tube-in-plate (TIP) Reactor
Monday, July 29, 2024
Cost-effective Tube-in-plate Reactor with replaceable tubing
Glass static mixer/reactor blocks with narrow internal channels are very effective flow reactors that, attributable to their large surface area, provide very efficient heat transfer.However, they are challenging to manufacture and therefore tend to be quite expensive. In addition, many users have concerns regarding blockage or cleaning of the channels.
To address these issues, Uniqsis are pleased to introduce a new Tube-in-plate reactor concept whereby narrow-bore, replaceable perfluoropolymer tubing is embedded in channels cut into an aluminium block. To help stabilise the internal temperature but retain visibility, the tubing is covered with a glass plate.
The glass cover-plate and tubing can be easily removed and the tubing replaced - should it become blocked or contaminated.
These TIP reactors offer a direct replacement for existing 'LARGE format' GSMs that are compatible with HotChip, ColdChip, PhotoChip and Polar Bear Plus GSM reactor modules.
In this way, Tube-in-plate Reactors provide a cost effective alternative, where static mixing is not a concern, that addresses many of the drawbacks of integrated glass GSMs.
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Introducing the SOLSTICE MAXI
Wednesday, June 15, 2024
Solstice MAXI scale-up 12-position high-power, temp. controlled photoreactor
The original Solstice photoreactor is fitted with 12 x 8ml (max) septum-sealed glass tube reactors. The tubes can accept PTFE inserts that produce thin films to help improve light absorption. This is particularly useful when working with very small reaction volumes. As such, the Solstice is well-suited for reaction optimisation or photo-catalyst selection. Some customers, however, have requested a larger version for intermediate scale-up.
Uniqsis are pleased to announce the Solstice MAXI. Same compact 12-tube format - it even works with the same Borealis LED lamps and PSUs, if required - but now each tube reactor has a maximum volume of 20ml each.
We hope that you will find the MAXI useful!
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Cost-effective, High Power LED Lamps for Photoredox Reactions
Thursday, October 26, 2023
BOREALIS SCHOLARTM LED lamps for photochemistry applications in batch and flow Uniqsis is pleased to announce the launch of an alternative version of their popular Borealis LED light source specifically designed to work with the new compact Scholar power supply. Compatible with both the temperature controlled Solstice 12-position parallel batch photoreactor and Borealis Flow continuous flow system, the new lamps operates at up to 120W. Lamp intensity can be adjusted manually using a rotary controller on top of the Scholar PSU. A wide range of wavelengths from 365nm through 520nm are available. The Scholar PSU supply sacrifices the remote control capabilities and digital control interface of the exisitng programmable PSU for lower cost and a compact format that takes up minimal space in the fume hood. The matching Borealis Scholar LED lamps have an integrated thermal cutout to prevent over-heating and damage to the LEDs and an interlock switch for safety.
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Photoreactors from Uniqsis
Thursday, April 2, 2023
The SOLSTICETM compact, multi-position batch photoreactor! In response to the continued development and exploitation of photocatalysis as an enabling methodology in organic synthesis, Uniqsis has launched their first batch photoreactor. The SOLSTICETM exploits the recently introduced versatile and powerful BOREALISTM LED illumination system as a variable intensity, high-powered light source in combination with a 12-position, temperature controlled tube reactor that is designed to fit onto a standard magnetic stirrer (135mm top-plate diameter). Each tube reactor has a maximum volume of 8ml, is equipped with a septum seal for reagent introduction and to prevent oxygen ingress and is efficiently stirred. Reaction temperatures are displayed on the matching programmable power supply. Borealis LED lamp units are available in a wide range of fixed wavelength versions. SOLSTICE is straightforward to use and is ideal for both photocatalyst evaluation and screening of reaction conditions prior to either scaling-out using multiple tube positions, or progressing to continuous flow-through processing.The latter can be conveniently achieved by fitting the Borealis LED lamp unit to the Uniqsis COLD COILTM reactor module fitted with a suitable internally-wound coil reactor. Higher throughput can be addressed by up-scaling to the Uniqsis PHOTOSYNTM photo-flow reactor system.
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New Automated Sample Loop Filling (Auto-LF) Package II
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Automated combinatorial chemistry made easy!
Uniqsis announces a completely new and upgraded version of its Automated Sample Loop Filling (auto-LF) system. Auto-LF II utilises the new dual-rack Gilson GX241 autosampler in combination with the latest Verity syringe pump to enable automated filling of up to 4 sample loops.
The new hardware is seamlessly integrated into the Uniqsis FlowControl II complete system integration and control software package to both streamline experiment planning and implementation.
In combination with a separate fraction collector to manage reaction product collection and/or fractionation, sample loop filling for the next experiment is initiated before the current experiment is complete. This significantly reduces setup times between individual experiments thus accelerating work flow.
The system is compatible with septum sealed sample vials and uses direct transfer lines to avoid the need to incorporate potentially unreliable injection ports into the sample handling path. For maximum convenience, the complete system can be controlled remotely by Wi-Fi over a dedicated WAN.
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FlowControl II System Control Software
Tuesday, January 17, 2020
Seamless flow chemistry automation
The ability to connect and control any combination of components in a flow chemistry system in a reliable and straightforward way is an increasingly important requirement in order to provide maximum flexibility in continuous processing R&D. To address this need, we at Uniqsis have re-written our FlowControl software to ensure that it now encompasses all the modules in the Uniqsis flow chemistry product range but remains as straightforward to use as ever. Flow chemistry systems can be built either around the FlowSyn or Binary Pump modules that comprise up to 4 independent channels and accommodate add-ins such as the Flow-UV inline detector.
Programming uses a 'wizard' interface that guides the user through all the necessary steps involved in planning everything from an individual reaction to a combinatorial sequence involving up to 100 individual experiments.
Connectivity can be via Wi-Fi over a dedicated WAN and, of course, all experimental methods and data are archived for further use or review.
FlowControl II - straightforward, powerful, reliable.
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New Automated Sample Loop Filling (Auto-LF) Package
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Combinatorial chemistry made easy!
Uniqsis announces a completely new and upgraded version of its Automated Sample Loop Filling (Auto-LF) system. Auto-LF II utilises the latest dual rack Gilson GX241 autosampler in combination with the latest Verity syringe pump to enabled automated filling of up to 4 sample loops.The new hardware is seamlessly integrated into the Uniqsis FlowControl II complete system integration and control software package software to streamline experiment planning and implementation.
In combination with a separate fraction collector to manage reaction product collection and/or fractionation, sample loop filling for the next experiment is initiated before the current experiment is complete, thereby significantly reducing setup times between individual experiments and thus accelerating work flow.
The system is compatible with septum sealed sample vials and uses direct transfer lines to avoid the need to incorporate potentially unreliable injection ports into the sample handling path. For maximum convenience, the complete system can be controlled remotely by Wi-Fi
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Uniqsis extend range of mixer reactor chips for flow chemistry
13 November 2019
Borosilicate glass static mixer blocks for flow chemistry
Uniqsis has extended its range of static mixer reactor chips for flow chemistry applications. The chemically resistant Borosilicate glass chips are now available in 270uL, 1.0ml, 1.6ml, 10ml and 20ml channel sizes. Operation from -80oC to 260oC makes them suitable for a wide range of reactions including fast exothermic reactions such as metalations and nitrations. Maximum operating pressure is chip dependent but all work above 12 bar and the lower volume chips up to 40 bar. Two and three reagent inlet channels are available. The chips are compatible with the HotChipTM and the Polar Bear GSMTM Connections can be conveniently made using standard threaded HPLC fittings utilising an 'O'-ring seal to ensure effective finger-tight sealing without the need for any tools.
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HotChip™ Glass Flow Reactor Heater
13 November 2018
Versatile heating module for Uniqsis glass static mixer/reactor blocks
The Uniqsis HotChip™ is a versatile standalone heater module for glass reactors/mixers. It is compatible with all Uniqsis glass static mixer/reactor blocks from 250µl to 20ml total channel volume and affords precise temperature control up to 225°C. A conductive insert allows either 1 large glass mixer, or up to 2 of the smaller glass mixers to be fitted. Set point temperatures may be entered using either the ’push to set’ rotary controller or remotely over a local area network (LAN). The large, bright animated LED display gives a clear indication of unit status (heating up or cooling down) that is visible across the laboratory. The HotChip™ can be controlled using the FlowSyn™ or Binary Pump Module™. However, for maximum flexibility and in particular for those flow chemists who wish to build their own bespoke or a more complex component based flow chemistry system, the HotChip is fully compatible with the Uniqsis FlowControl™ system control software. The insulated cover with glass viewing window features a cut-out that allows it to be conveniently removed and refitted without the need to disconnect the fluidic connections. An enhanced cool-down option is available which utilises the low pressure compressed supply available in most laboratory fume-hoods to accelerate cooling.
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PolarBear GSM™ - a heated/ cooled reactor station for static mixer/reactor chips
13 November 2018
Versatile heating and cooling module for Uniqsis glass static mixer/reactor blocks The Polar Bear Plus GSM™ is a state-of-the-art heating and cooling reactor module for flow chemistry applications utilising glass static mixers and reactors (GSMs).
Remarkably, although not much bigger than a shoe box, this compact and portable unit can maintain reactor temperatures anywhere between -30oC and +150oC!
The Polar Bear Plus GSM reactor is easy to use and is completely self-contained, requiring only an electricity supply for operation - no card-ice, refrigerants or messy heat transfer fluids!
Compatible with all standard Uniqsis glass chip reactors, the Polar Bear Plus GSM makes an ideal and flexible addition to an existing FlowSyn. Alternatively, this reactor module can be combined with a Uniqsis Binary Pump Module as the basis for a modular FlowLab Plus flow reactor system.
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Flow-UV™ - in-line UV-Vis Detector
13 December 2016
Finally, a compact UV-Vis spectrometer designed for use in flow chemistry ...
Whilst the ability to model dispersion in continuous flow processes can be extremely useful, there is no real substitute for in-line monitoring in real time.
Flow-UV™is an affordable and easy-to-use in-line UV-Vis detector for flow chemistry applications. It may be used for example, to determine when steady state has been achieved and therefore when to start and stop collecting the reaction product. It also provides a useful indication that steady state is maintained consistently throughout such that a continuous flow-through process. UV-Vis measurements can be particularly significant for nanoparticle distribution and provide information about particle size and whether agglomeration is occurring.
The flow cell uses a short section of the reactor tubing (PFA) and can therefore be positioned anywhere in the flow path, including high pressure regions and inbetween individual reactors.
Flow-UV can also be fitted with a Tungsten light source that allows measurements in the near-IR.
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Some like it hot!
14 October 2016
Helping to push the boundaries of available reaction space ...
The Uniqsis Coil Heater modules fitted to the FlowSyn and HotCoil are now available with a higher temperature rating allowing reactions to be run at up to 300oC.
This feature is available as an option on new units. Existing units can be upgraded if required.
The upgrade is compatible with all existing Uniqsis (metal) coil reactors.
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FlowLab™ Plus - so much more!
21 September 2016
Having your cake and eating it ...
Whilst many customers like the 'all-in-one-box' automation of the FlowSyn flow reactor series, an increasing number are expressing an appreciation for the modularity of the entry-level FlowLab systems.
With the introduction of FlowLab Plus, now you can have your cake and eat it (as it were). Combining the established Uniqsis dual channel reagent delivery module (BPM) with up to 4 standalone reactor modules (up to 2 each HotCoils or Polar Bear Plus Flow units) enables a fully automated experiment with up to 240ml total reactor capacity to be performed.
Bolting on the FlowControl software package in conjunction with a fraction collector extends the scope to allow up to 100 independent automated reactions.
This system can be upgraded even further by adding the Auto-LF liquid handling package that will automatically fill sample loops from a pre-configured reagent set. And if you need more pumps, either add another BPM or up to 2 standalone HPLC pumps.
... FlowLab Plus, a flexible choice for automated, multi-step flow chemistry!
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FlowLabTM - more choice, greater flexibility!
01 August 2016
New features for FlowLab ...
The Uniqsis FlowLab flow chemistry system is proving to be an extremely popular affordable, entry-level flow chemistry system. As a modular system this product also offers considerable scope for customisation, and we have received a number of requests from customers for 'special' variants.
So, in response to this, we have upgraded the FlowLab system control software to accommodate up to 3 pumps and both a Polar Bear Plus Flow and a HotCoil reactor module. The additional modules are auto-detected by the software and so can be added at a later date as an upgrade path if required.
...more choice, greater flexibility!
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HotColumnTM Multi-column Reactor Adaptor
29 January 2016
The HotColumn is a versatile adaptor that can be used to convert any Uniqsis coil reactor heater/cooler into a column reactor module.
Column reactors are located inside individual insulated holders that are attached to a central mandrel using 2 thumb screws. Each holder has a glass viewing window that ensures the contents of the column reactor remain visible at all times.
Where space permits, up to 6 column reactors can be accommodated at once, thereby greatly facilitating rapid scale up. Dedicated holders are available to fit any combination of 10mm, 15mm, and 20mm OD columns.
... and when you have finished, simply remove the HotColumn by releasing the patented Uniqsis clamping mechanism and store it away.
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FlowLab™: an affordable flow chemistry system
10 December 2015
Uniqsis is pleased to announce the launch of FlowLabTM system; an affordable flow chemistry starter system.
This low-cost, entry into flow chemistry is supplied complete with everything necessary to run single flow chemistry experiments easily and safely, all that is needed are the reagents.
The system comprises of 2 high pressure pumps, a HotCoilTM reactor station and FlowStart software. The pumps and HotCoil are controlled wirelessly from the computer which can be conveniently located outside of the fume cupboard.The pumps have a combined flow rate range of 0.01 to 20 ml/min and will operate at up to 100bar. Each pump has a built in pressure transducer and motor current limiter for operational safety. The reagents are mixed at a PTFE “T” piece that is connected to the reactor and in-line back pressure regulator.
The HotCoil reactor station rapidly heats up from ambient to 260°C and has a large LED temperature display that is clearly visibled across the laboratory. This can be operated by the FlowStart software or in standalone mode using the simple ‘push to set’ (red display) and ‘push to start’ (green display) control knob. A 5ml PTFE and 5ml stainless steel coil reactor are supplied with the system. To accommodate different scales, pressures, chemical compatibility and temperature a wide range of more than 40 coil reactors are offered with volumes from 2ml to 60ml in a variety of materials that includes PFA, stainless steel, HastelloyTM or copper. Reactors are easily changed in 30 seconds and can be re-wound by the operator.
After exiting the reactor system back pressure is controlled by an interchangeable in-line back pressure cartridge that has been designed to be chemically inert. The system is supplied with a 10bar back pressure cartridge; other ratings up to 70bar are available from Uniqsis
.....yet another example of Uniqsis listening to the requests of our customers!
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Flow Chemistry at Onyx Scientific
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
New Exploratory Continuous Processing Capability .....
In 2014, Onyx Scientific made a major investment into continuous flow manufacturing technology at their site in Sunderland that allows clients to explore alternatives routes during product research and development programs to achieve a smarter way of developing compounds.Adopting this novel approach to manufacturing APIs presents an alternative strategy that can assist clients to overcome the often time-consuming and costly process of batch manufacturing.Ultimately, it delivers a greater return on spend for drug developers and considerable cost savings to our clients. Through the use of a Uniqsis FlowSyn Multi-X continuous flow manufacturing system, Onyx Scientific have also been able to assist companies in terms of efficiently developing and producing APIs. Quick, efficient and competitive chemical services and API manufacturing. This has apparently made for some very happy clients!
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1Kg - the Weight of $10 Million?
Friday, October 31, 2014
Nanoparticles with a bright future .....
In a collaboration with a private sector company, researchers at the Izmir Institute of Technology in Turkey have recently installed a Uniqsis FlowSyn Multi-X flow chemistry system as part of an on-going programme of research with the objective of developing scalable methods for the preparation and commercialisation of nanoparticles such as quantum dots (Qds). These high value new materials possess a wide variety of uses ranging from the diagnosis and treatment of cancers to providing the basis for the next generation of high resolution TV screens.
Currently, very few organisations have viable routes for producing quantum dots on the scale needed to meet the emerging demand and this means that, for the time being at least, they are very expensive costing considerably more than gold. However, as the Dean of Science, Professor Dr Serdar Ozcelik states, "although new generation display screens for example require only very small quantities of Qds, for these materials to fulfil their potential as the basis for new products that will be at the heart of everyday living, it is necessary to develop industrial processes with the ability to produce kilogram quantities per day in order to reduce costs and meet worldwide demand. At current prices a new generation screen using 10 mg of Qds would cost $100 and this is just too expensive".
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Flow Control - takes control of your chemistry experiments
Monday, February 10, 2014
Take control of your flow chemistry experiments with the new FlowControl software from Uniqsis Uniqsis specialises in the design of flow chemistry systems for a wide range of users and applications. Our fully integrated FlowSyn systems provide complete solutions for both novice and experienced users, while our comprehensive range of flow chemistry modules gives you the flexibility to customise systems according to your specific needs.
You can easily build and configure your own custom flow reactor system using the Uniqsis range of pump, reactor and liquid handling modules, including fraction collectors, liquid handling robots, gas introduction and gas liquid reaction modules. Start with the Uniqsis Binary Pump Module or FlowSyn and add up to four independently controlled reactor stations, with the option of automatic loop filling, low temperature operation and fraction collection. Then add a PC with the new FlowControl software and you are ready to program, analyse and store the experiments of your choice with an unprecedented degree of freedom and flexibility.
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A Scalable Route to Plasmonic Silver Nanocubes and Nanospheres under Continuous Flow-through Conditions
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Plasmonic silver nanocrystals have unique optical properties that are leading to their increased commercial use in applications ranging from pigments and photovoltaics to chemical and biological sensors, and therapeutics. For example, unlike conventional chemical dyes and pigments,the colour of suspensions of plasmonic nanoparticles can be tuned by changing the size and shape of the particles, without the need to change chemical composition. The challenge is to develop scalable methods that permit the reproducible synthesis of nanoparticles and crystals of well defined size and shape. New research from the group at KAUST concerning the preparation of crystalline silver nanocubes and nanospheres has shown that continuous processing under segmented flow conditions can achieve precisely that.
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Catalyst Free Flow-through Hydrogenation
Tuesday, September 03, 2013
Oliver Kappe's group in Graz have reported a segmented flow-through process for performing the hydrogenation of olefins that does not require metal catalysts. Diimide is safely generated in situ by oxidising hydrazine with molecular oxygen using a glass static mixer chip and then mixing it with a flowing stream of the olefin in a coil reactor.
Notably substituents which are prone to concomitant reduction under metal-catalysed hydrogenation conditions (e.g. nitro and bromo substituents) are unaffected.
ICPMS analysis of the isolated products showed exceptionally low levels of trace metal contamination.
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New Uniqsis Flow Posters
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Safe Nitration of e-Deficient Aromatics
Performing nitration chemistry, particularly on a large scale, can be hazardous since reactions are frequently highly exothermic and may involve the formation of potentially explosive intermediates. Under continuous flow-through conditions exotherms are typically well managed because flow reactors benefit from the ability to rapidly remove heat from a process.
However, the use of concentrated and highly corrosive mineral acids in flow reactors is potentially problematic.
Researchers at Newcastle University have recently reported that they were able to routinely prepare a key early stage intermediate required for an on-going clinical evaluation of a promising new anti-cancer agent using a Uniqsis FlowSyn. Moreover this particular nitration had proved to be low yielding and unreliable under conventional batch conditions.
Flow-through Synthesis of Fanetizole
Scientists in Steven Ley's research group at Cambridge University have disclosed a continuous flow-through reactor comprised of a Uniqsis Binary Pump Module in combination with 2 Polar Bear Plus flow reactors that is able to effect the continuous synthesis of the anti-inflammatory agent Fanetizole.
The telescoped 2 stage synthesis also employs a 'tube-in-tube' reactor to precisely control the introduction of ammonia gas into the reagent flow stream.
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Polar Bear Plus Flow
03 July 2012
Modular Flow Reactor Systems
Uniqsis in collaboration with Cambridge Reactor Design, are pleased to announce the introduction of another modular reactor module.
The Polar Bear Plus Flow reactor module allows reactions to be performed at any temperature from 150oC down to -40oC. Importantly, it does not need any refrigerants or heat transfer fluids - all that is required is an electricity supply. And remarkably, the Polar Bear Plus Flow is little larger than a shoebox and can be easily relocated.
The Polar Bear Plus Flow is compatible with all Uniqsis coil reactors and can also accommodate Uniqsis Static Mixer/Reactor Chips.
All in all, a very compact and useful piece of equipment!
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New Publication: Hydroformylation under Flow-Through Conditions
02 July 2012
Hydroformylation can be conveniently performed in the laboratory using a 'tube-in-tube' gas-liquid reactor in combination with FlowSyn.
Ley's group in Cambridge, UK were able to rapidly optimise conditions to achieve both high conversion and high regioselectivity for a model substrate.
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New Poster available!
01 June 2012
Indoles and related heterocycles are important chemotypes that are both widely exploited in medicinal chemistry and are to found in numerous natural products.
Workers at the University of Orleans report a rapid flow-through approach for their selective 2-iodination followed by N-BOC protection prior to further elaboration as part of ongoing studies towards anti-cancer agents.
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High Pressure Binary Pump Module
04 January 2012
The philosophy at Uniqsis has been to offer an integrated flow chemistry solution that offers chemists a straightforward access to this emerging technology. However, in doing it has been necessary to make some compromises in terms of absolute flexibility. One example of this is in the number of independent flow channels available. Although it is possible to add 1 or 2 additional pumps standalone pumps to FlowSyn, these do not offer the more sophisticated reagent delivery capabilities of FlowSyn itself.
To address this issue, Uniqsis have developed a new Binary Pump Module. This high pressure, dual channel reagent delivery module may be connected directly to FlowSyn to expand the system and offer 4 identical flow channels each offering: - a low pressure reagent inlet valve
- a high pressure chemically inert sample injection valve
- a dedicated priming port
- automatic air bubble detection
Alternatively, the module can be used in stand-alone mode to drive any flow reactor modules that the user may desire. In stand-alone use, the BPM is conveniently controlled through a dedicated user interface that runs on a PC.
.....just another example of Uniqsis listening to the requests from our customers!
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Scale-up Coil Reactors Available
25 July 2011
In response to customer feedback, Uniqsis are pleased to announce the availability of a larger 60 ml 316L stainless steel coil reactor.
Aimed particularly at the early stage scale-up market, when fitted to a FlowSyn Maxi, this new coil reactor can deliver throughputs up to 5 L/hr whilst still retaining synthetically useful residence times for reactions that can be run at up to 260 oC.
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IQ/OQ/PQ Now available for the FlowSyn
Feb 3 2011 12:00AM
FlowSyn can now be supplied with the benefit of IQ/OQ/PQ certification to ensure that the system has been fully installed tested, calibrated and operators have an understanding and have been trained in the operation and routine maintenance. This service is available from Uniqsis or the main distributors. We can also offer a combined or tailored flow chemistry training course in the UK or the USA Please contact Uniqsis for further information.
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Scaling Batch Microwave Protocols that Produce Solid Organic Products
Oct 12 2010 12:00AM
Flow chemistry is a useful approach for scaling small scale batch microwave chemistries.
However, in many cases the need to modify reaction conditions and/or change solvent to prevent product precipitation is inconvenient.
A recent publication from Leadbeater's group illustrates how this may often be avoided simply by intercepting the outflow of the flow reactor with a 3rd solvent stream. Thereby preventing the reaction product from precipitating prematurely and blocking the reactor tubing or back-pressure regulator.
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Lease or rent to buy a FlowSyn
Nov 10 2010 12:00AM
Through our leasing partner, LDF Finance it is now possible to lease or rent to buy a FlowSyn.
There are real advantages to companies in leasing due to the way VAT is handled on the balance sheet. Terms are typically between 2 and 4 years. Longer term rental is also now possible and at the end of the lease or rental period there is the option to buy.
Give us a call to discuss the advantages.
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Using Hydrazoic Acid Safely under Flow-Through Conditions!
Aug 20 2010 12:00AM
5-Substituted 1-H tetrazoles are a commonly employed isosteric replacement for carboxylic acids widely exploited in medicinal chemistry.
A potentially expedient and inexpensive route to their synthesis involves the condensation of hydrazoic acid with an organic nitrile. However, the explosive nature of hydrazoic acid - particularly at elevated temperatures - tends to detract from the popularity of this approach!
Until now ...
Oliver Kappe's group in Graz have just disclosed an elegant solution to this problem that utilises continuous processing of in situ generated hydrazoic acid in a microreactor. Even at temperatures in excess of 200C, the process proved to be both benign and scalable, affording over 18g of one intermediate in under 1 hour.
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Automated Combinatorial Chemistry - Compound Library Synthesis in Flow
17/08/2010
The Automated Loop Filling (Auto-LF) Package is an optional FlowSyn module which enables you to perform automated combinatorial experiments in flow, i.e. to run multiple experiments with multiple reagent inputs.
For example, it’s now possible to: The Auto-LF upgrade has been carefully designed and incorporates special features that both improve throughput and at the same time ensure optimal system reliability: Integrated wash steps to prevent cross-contamination Simultaneous loop filling and fraction collection to save processing time Electrically operated selection valve – no injection ports to block!
Time is precious – let the automation take the strain!
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Low Temperature Chemistry in Flow
27/07/2010
Metalations are typically performed at very low temperature (often -78oC) in batch with slow addition of the organometallic base in order to control the exothermic nature of such reactions.
In flow, the improved control of mixing and temperature, will often ensure that similar (or improved) reaction outcomes can be achieved more conveniently at higher temperatures.
Application Note 25 describes how FlowSyn can be used to pump organometallic bases directly from septum sealed bottles to perform a deprotonation/metalation in flow.
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Pumping Organometallic Reagents using FlowSyn
27/07/2010
We are often asked if it is possible to pump solutions of organometallic bases directly from a septum sealed bottle using FlowSyn?
Yes, this is certainly possible, but we recommend that you adhere to the following guidelines:
• The organometallic should not contain precipitate. If so, it is advisable to use an in-line filter.
• All solvents should be anhydrous, and the stock bottles inerted under a N2 or Ar blanket (tubing from a low pressure gas manifold can be terminated with the ends of disposable syringes and these can be inserted directly into our recommended bottle tops). A short length of wide-bore SS tubing can be inserted directly through Sure-Seals and connected directly to the FlowSyn using standard fittings.
• The flow path should be thoroughly flushed through with an anhydrous solvent (eg THF) before any moisture sensitive or air sensitive reagents are pumped.
• We recommend that you fit a Backflush Kit (UQ-7210) to the pump heads. Salts (amongst other things!) derived from hydrolysis of organometallic reagents tend to accumulate between the high and low pressure pump seals. These should be removed periodically by either dissembling the 2 halves of the pump heads, or more conveniently, by flushing with a suitable cleaning solvent using the Backflush Kit (eg 1:1:1 [AcOH:THF:H2O] or [AcOH:THF:DMF]).
• The FlowSyn should be flushed with a cleaning solvent (1:1:1 [AcOH:THF:H2O] works well) after use, and then stored in iPrOH.
Following these recommendations should ensure that your FlowSyn performs reliably.
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FlowSyn Incorporates Control of an External Chiller
07/05/2010
Uniqsis already offer a separate 'Cold Coil' reactor module that is optimised for sub-ambient chemistry. Stable low temperatures are most reliably achieved for indefinite periods by connecting the 'Cold Coil' to an external chiller unit.
Now FlowSyn offers the ability to set up experiments that control an external chiller from within the FlowSyn user interface.
Both Huber and Julabo chillers are compatible, so either individual scale-up experiments or a series of experiments all using different sub-ambient (or higher) temperatures can be performed with ease.
Please contact Uniqsis for more information.
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New Pump Manifold Assembly Launched
14/04/2010
The Uniqsis FlowSyn™ flow chemistry system is now available with an upgraded pump manifold assembly that offers several key advantages to the user:
* FlowSyn can automatically monitor each high pressure reagent channel and alert the user if a pump becomes air-locked or pumps inconsistently during an experiment. When used unattended, FlowSyn will abort the experiment if the problem is not corrected rather than continue under non-steady state conditions wasting precious reagents.
* FlowSyn can be re-primed 'on the fly' without the need to cool down or de-pressurise the reactor. Resolving air-locked pumps is easy!
* FlowSyn is fitted with new sample injection valves that have been specially developed to offer high chemical resistance - even to concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids, for example.
* The injection valves and rotors have 1.0mm id channels to minimise the risk of blockages and make cleaning much easier!
Moreover, FlowSyn now benefits from a dedicated 'Prime' function that makes changing reactors and getting up and running again a walk in the park!
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New Application Notes
05/02/2010
Two new Application Notes (Note 23 and Note 24) describe the accelerated synthesis, complimentary to batch microwave preparations, of commonly encountered heterocycles that can readily prepared in a scalable manner by high temperature continuous flow-through chemistry.
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Reaction Time Calculator
30/11/2009
A new Applet is now available that calculates how reaction time changes with temperature. This is very useful when planning to translate existing batch chemistries to flow. Why not give it a try?
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New distribution in India
13/10/2009
Uniqsis is happy to announce Septech Marketing (India) Pvt Ltd as our distribution partner in India.
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Chiral building blocks 'on-demand'
29/09/2009
Professor Steven Leys group at the University of Cambridge have recently reported the 'on-demand' continuous flow synthesis of BDA tartrates. The approach utilises an inline purification to deliver products directly in high purities. BDA tartrates are useful chiral building blocks have been used in the synthesis of a range of complex natural products.
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Continuous Flow Nitration
09/09/2009
Application Note 22: Flow Nitration. Nitration is a common, but potentially hazardous transformation in synthesis. Under continuous flow conditions both mixing and temperature can be well controlled leading to a selective, reproducible, and scalable outcome.
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Uniqsis announce new distributors for FlowSyn
04/09/2009
Uniqsis are pleased to announce the appointment of 2 new distributors.
The FlowSyn continuous flow reactor will be distributed by Septech Marketing in India and by Praezision Technik in China.
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Newman-Kwart Rearrangement in flow
31/07/2009
The Newman-Kwart rearrangement is a useful method for converting Ar-O to Ar-S bonds that can be further derivatised following basic hydrolysis of the resulting S-thiocarbamate. This high temperature reaction can be easily scaled up using the FlowSyn. Moreover, direct electrical heating in the FlowSyn permits the use of easily removed volatile solvents such as acetonitrile at temperatures above those easily achieved with microwave heating.
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Uniqsis announces new distributor
27/07/2009
Uniqsis are pleased to announce that Interchim will be selling the FlowSyn in France.
Interchim specialises in combinatorial chemistry , chromatography products and biological research materials.
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New FlowSyn Application Note
23/07/2009
The classical Fischer indole synthesis can be accelerated by performing the reaction at high and pressure in a continuous flow reactor.
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Uniqsis Announce New Distributor
20/05/2009
Uniqsis are pleased to announce that Future Chemistry will be selling the FlowSyn in The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and the German state of North Westphalia.
Future Chemistry specialises in selling flow chemistry products and is based in the Netherlands.
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Uniqsis Flow Chemistry Symposium 12th and 13th November 2009
18/02/2009
Uniqsis are happy to announce we will be holding the Uniqsis Flow Chemistry Symposium for the 3rd year at the Moller Centre, Cambridge.
Following the success of the 1st Training day, we will be holding this on 13th November in the chemistry department at University of Cambridge.
To register for this event, please download the form on the homepage.
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FlowSyn Multiple Experiment package now available
19/12/2008
The FlowSyn now has an optional "Multiple Experiment Package" which consists of either a Gilson 203B or 204 Fraction collector and an enhanced FlowSyn user interface.
Users can set up 10 sequential experiments which is ideal for reaction optimisation and profiling.
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FlowSyn heats up to 260?C
02/06/2008
Raising the reaction temperature achievable with the FlowSyn? Continuous Flow Reactor has considerably widened the scope of reactions that can be performed. Reactions can now be carried out at up to 260?C and pressures up to 1000psi (~70 Bar). High activation energy chemistries that might previously have required a catalyst or the use of a microwave reactor are now potential candidates for continuous flow synthesis, with its attendant benefits - better reproducibility and scalability and fewer problems with unstable intermediates or unexpected exotherms.
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Mark Ladlow joins Uniqsis as Chief Scientific Officer
28/01/2008
Mark was until recently head of the GSK Cambridge Technology Laboratory based within the University of Cambridge where, in recent years, he has collaborated closely with Professor Steven Ley in developing flow chemistry as an emerging new chemistry technology. Following a period as an independent consultant developing flow chemistry applications, he now joins Uniqsis as Chief Scientific Officer.
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The first fully integrated continuous flow reactor is now available on the market
04/10/2007
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. FlowSyn claims to be the first commercial system to fully integrate all the essential elements for continuous flow chemistry into a single, easy to use package. Flow chemistry in micro-reactors has many advantages over batch processing ? better reproducibility and scalability, improved yields and fewer problems with unstable intermediates or highly exothermic reactions.
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New FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor will be launched on 4th October
04/10/2007
The first fully integrated continuous flow reactor which combines all essential elements in a single, easy to use package will be launched in the UK on 4th October 2007 at the 1st Uniqsis Flow Chemistry Symposium.
The conference is being established as a discussion forum between new and existing users of flow technology with workshops led by some of the most eminent pioneers in the field. Invited is a selected audience of academic and industry customers as well as the industry press.
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