High-throughput experimentation platform: parallel microwave chemistry in HPLC/GC vials

Abstract

A high-throughput reaction platform for performing parallel microwave chemistry in sealed HPLC/GC vials is described. The system consists of a strongly microwave-absorbing silicon carbide plate with 20 cylindrical wells of appropriate dimensions to be fitted with standard HPLC/GC autosampler vials serving as reaction vessels. In combination with an aluminum sealing plate the setup can be used for microwave processing reaction volumes from 0.5-1.5 mL at a maximum temperature/pressure limit of 250 degrees C/20 bar. The parallel reaction platform displays excellent temperature and reaction homogeneity and has been used for high-throughput reaction optimization studies involving the parallel screening of catalyst, solvent and substrate reactivity for esterification reactions and metal-catalyzed dehydrative C-C couplings.