Combinatorial chemistry can be traced back to the 1960’s, but didn’t gain popularity until 1990 when pharmaceutical companies started compounding large amounts of potential new drugs into libraries. Now, combinatorial chemistry has moved into other disciplines such as materials science, biotechnology and even semiconductors.
Because combinatorial chemistry requires multiple samples to be run in parallel, the RapidVap Vertex Evaporator, accommodating up to 50 samples, is the perfect choice for this type of research and development. During operation, each product is synthesized in separate reaction vessels. The advantage of parallel synthesis is that the composition of each compound is known, but generally, the split and mix procedure can generate many more compounds in the same amount of time. The samples are evaporated in the Vertex simultaneously which speeds throughput and keeps all samples under the same conditions. The nitrogen supply is controlled in rows of 10 so nitrogen can be conserved in smaller sample runs.
The RapidVap Vertex Evaporator uses a dry heat block to quickly evaporate samples under a gentle stream of nitrogen. Unlike water baths, a dry block does not evaporate during the run which can result in condensation from the bath— condensation which could drip into the samples causing contamination. A dry block requires less maintenance and requires no distilled water or additives.
The RapidVap Vertex accommodates tube sizes ranging from microcentrifuges up to 28mm in diameter. A convenient LCD touch screen allows easy programming of time and temperature and up to ten different programs may be stored in its microprocessor for protocol consistency. A microprocessor-controlled heater supplies heat to the block and is programmable from 30° C to 100° C in 1 degree increments.
Nitrogen blow down reduces the partial pressure directly over the liquid to speed evaporation and help remove the solvent as it evaporates. Heat helps speed the process. The samples are angled thus increasing the surface area for faster evaporation and optimized recovery. The temperature sensor probe may be positioned on the block or in a sample to monitor temperature.
There are seven interchangeable aluminum blocks to choose from and are sold separately—five hold samples as small as two milliliters; two additional blocks hold 28 mm tubes with samples sizes of 40 and 60 milliliters.
Labconco
8811 Prospect Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64132
816-822-3709
toll free: 800-732-0031
www.labconco.com
