A new type of automated synthesizer has been developed on which a variety of synthetic reactions can be conducted. Since the apparatus is completely sealed, reactions which require an inert atmosphere are feasible without difficulty. The reaction temperature is changeable from the temperature of dry ice to room temperature. The temperature is controlled within ±0.1 °C. The amount of reagents added is accurate within ±0.01 mL. With the advanced control function, the process time is minimized. Thus, the apparatus is particularly convenient for running multifold reactions sequentially.

A variety of reactions which are commonly used in synthetic chemistry are feasible with the automated synthesizer (MEDLEY). Air-sensitive organolithium and Grignard reagents as well as transition metal catalysts like Ni(0) and Pd(0) species are employable. The precise control of both the reaction temperature and the amount of added reagents enables to examine the dependence of chemical yields on the reaction temperature. Since the order of reagent addition is programmed and the reaction temperature is quickly tunable, sequential reactions can be conducted smoothly. An advanced control system was incorporated which allows a task to start immediately after the preceding one has finished. Owing to this function, the time for completing the multistep process can be minimized.

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