Method and apparatus for organic synthesis
AssigneeStephen Matson
InventorsPeng Zhou, Stephen Matson
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for the semi-automated synthesis of libraries of organic compounds are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention comprises multi-vessel reaction blocks, accessory components, and complementary workstations designed to facilitate the semi-automated production of libraries of chemical compounds by combinatorial and parallel synthesis techniques. The invention is particularly well suited to the conduct of solid-phase or solution-phase parallel syntheses of single compounds and compound mixtures in a high-throughput manner.
Claims22
An apparatus for use in synthesizing a library of organic compounds comprising:
- (a) a reaction block assembly comprising:
- (i) a reaction block having multiple individual reaction vessels, each of said vessels having an open top and a bottom surface with a drain hole located therein;
- and
- (ii) a sealing means for simultaneously sealing the drain holes of each of the reaction vessels in the reaction block, said sealing means having a plurality of through-holes spatially corresponding to the drain holes of the reaction vessels and movable into and out of fluid communication with said drain holes;
- (b) a washing plate assembly comprising a means for attaching the reaction block;
- a recessed wash plate cavity in fluid communication with a fluid exit port;
- and a means for simultaneously controlling the drainage of all of the reaction vessels;
- (c) a transfer assembly comprising a transfer box having an internal cavity sized to fit a receiving container, a transfer cover plate shaped to mate with the reaction block assembly, and a means for locating the transfer assembly cover plate on the transfer box;
- (d) a top cover plate which seals the tops of the reaction vessels as a group and forms a closed top compartment above the tops of the reaction vessels;
- (e) a base plate which encloses the bottom of the reaction block and the sealing means to form a closed bottom compartment;
- (f) a pressure equalization through-hole extending through the reaction block from the top compartment to the bottom compartment;
- and
- (g) means for opening and closing the pressure equalization through-hole comprising the sealing means which includes a through-hole spatially corresponding to the pressure equalization through-hole;
- wherein the pressure equalization through-hole opens when the sealing means closes the reaction vessel drain holes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.