Apparatus for multiple, simultaneous synthesis of organic compounds

• US 5,762,881 A
• Filed: 10/29/1996
• Issued: 06/09/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mettler-Toledo Autochem, Inc. (Mettler-Toledo International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bohdan Automation, Inc. (Mettler-Toledo International Inc.)
• Inventors: Grzybowski, Albert T., Kanowske, Richard D., Drehobl, Thomas, Harness, James R., Kaufhold, Kenneth R., Grzybowski, Andrew J., Markus, Larry W., Wozny, Tadeusz J., Haidle, Rudy H.
• Primary Examiner(s): BHAT, NINA NMN
• Application Number:
  US08/741,194
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 422/131, 422/132, 422/134, 422/138, 422/62, 422/67, 422/81, 422/100, 422/102, 422/103, 422/107, 935/87, 935/88, 435/288.4, 435/288.5, 435/305.2
• US Class Current: 422/132
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0046 Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays synthesis methods per se C40B50/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00286 Reactor vessels with top and bottom openings
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00308 interchangeably mounted in racks or blocks
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0031 the racks or blocks being mounted in stacked arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00346 Screw-caps
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00407 In multiple arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00416 Vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00418 using pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00423 using filtration, e.g. through porous frits
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00585 Parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0059 Sequential processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00596 Solid-phase processes
• CPC Class Codes: C40B 60/14 for creating libraries

Abstract

An apparatus for multiple, simultaneous synthesis of compounds. The apparatus includes a reaction block having a heating layer, a cooling layer, each of which may perform both functions, and a collection sump. A plurality of reaction tubes are supported in the reaction block in a matrix. Each reaction tube has a top outlet, a bottom outlet and a filter above the bottom outlet. Spool valves are located to control the bottom outlets of the reaction tubes. Obturators are provided to close the top outlets of the reaction tubes and to provide venting for the reaction tubes. The collection sump alternately may be equipped with individual collection tubes for each reaction tube. Each reaction tube is formed with a restrictive waist and protrusions arranged in a pattern between the waist and its bottom outlet to improve the mixing of the resinous solid supports by creating turbulence. The restrictive waist limits the height of the vortex of solution during mixing and reaction to facilitate heating and refluxing.

Claims

1. An apparatus for multiple, simultaneous synthesis of compounds including:

a plurality of reaction tubes,

each reaction tube having a top outlet, a bottom outlet and a filter located above said bottom outlet,

valve means for opening and closing said bottom outlets located below said reaction tubes,

temperature control means for said reaction tubes positioned above said valve means,

reflux control means for said reaction tubes positioned above said temperature control means, and

collection means located below said valve means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said collection means includes:

a common sump for receiving the discharge from all of said reaction tubes.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said collection means includes:

a plurality of collection reservoirs to discretely receive the discharge from each reaction tube.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 including means for individually obturating the top outlet of each reaction tube.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 including means to remove vapors from each reaction tube through its top outlet during refluxing.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which each reaction tube is formed as an elongated, tubular, thin-walled body having inwardly extending protrusions formed in said thin-walled body and arranged in a pattern above said filter.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which a restrictive waist is formed in said thin-walled body above said protrusions.

8. The apparatus claim 1 in which threads are formed around said top outlet and a threaded cap is received on said threads.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which threads are formed around said bottom outlet for attaching said reaction tube to said valve means.