Extraction Module Extends Microreactor Function

A liquid-liquid extraction module, which has been added to an automated flow chemistry system, is designed for in-line removal of unwanted materials from solution following synthesis.

The new flow liquid-liquid extraction (FLLEX) module has been introduced for the automated flow reaction incubation and control apparatus (AFRICA) flow reactor produced by Syrris (Royston, UK). A modular system for reaction optimization in medicinal and process chemistry, the AFRICA microreactor reduces the time taken to develop, synthesize, screen, and review a chemical entity. The FLLEX unit significantly extends its functionality. Connected post-reaction, FLLEX purifies and separates the reaction mixture for additional reaction processes.

Using liquid-liquid extraction principles the AFRICA-synthesized compound is passed in solution to an immiscible wash stream of two solvent phases, where molecules are rapidly (in less than 3 seconds) partitioned into the preferred solvent phases. The valuable compound can be separated from the waste product and the two streams passed for collection, analysis, or further reaction. The FLLEX module can also be used to separate biphasic flow reactions. Optical sensors monitor output stream purity and back pressure regulators control fluid pressure.

For complex reaction setups, FLLEX Reaction Manager software allows experimental layouts to be designed with multiple reaction and extraction stages connected in series.

FLLEX joins the Flow Factory, a new solid phase module for multi-step flow chemistry, another recent addition to the Syrris portfolio of micro-reactor products.



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