Microchip-based synthesis and total analysis systems (μSYNTAS): Chemical microprocessing for generation and analysis of compound libraries

A miniaturised-SYNthesis and Total Analysis System (μSYNTAS) integrating a silicon-machined chemical microprocessor and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) is used for the generation of compound libraries based on sub-reactions of an Ugi multicomponent reaction (MCR). The microreactor-based on the concept of an AND logic operator-allowed the coupling of serially-switched solution-phase library generation with on-line compound analysis and identification. In addition, the μSYNTAS allowed real-time parallel-processing of MCR sub-reactions; in contrast to combinatorial techniques employing a solid support for reagent and product isolation, the μSYNTAS protocol required no additional preparation or work-up procedures.