START Labstation:
Microwave synthesis for the academic lab
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Green ChemistryMicrowave synthetic methods use only a fraction of the solvent associated with traditional methods. This leads to vastly reduced costs in purchasing expensive reagents, and in their disposal—and gives students and their instructors the satisfaction of knowing that they are performing their chemistry in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Uniform HeatingThe START labstation is a multi-mode microwave, which means that standing wave patterns are not allowed to form inside the cavity. A built-in mode stirrer ensures a homogeneous field intensity throughout the cavity. Magnetic stirring of the reaction mixtures further ensures homogeneous temperature distribution, leading to reproducible experimental results. The capability of uniform heating allows a chemist to place reaction vessels at any location within the cavity, and is vital when processing multiple reactions simultaneously, or when scaling up a reaction. Process Monitoring and ControlWith Milestone's EasyControl software, the operator draws the desired time/temperature or time/power profile on the labstation's touch-screen control terminal, and starts the program. The START labstation monitors the reaction temperature with an infrared sensor, and follows the preset curve by continuously adjusting the applied power. The software also includes Milestone's Solvent Library, which includes information on a broad variety of solvents. It guides the user in selecting appropriate reaction vessels and constructing temperature profiles, by providing information about the relationship between temperature and vapor pressure for each solvent. Safety and DurabilityThe START system was designed with the physical rigors of the academic lab environment in mind. It is a heavy-duty labstation constructed entirely out of stainless steel, for long life under heavy student usage. The microwave cavity is protected by a solvent-resistant coating. Most important, the START boasts a comprehensive range of safety features, to ensure that the operator is protected in case of vessel deformation or explosion—and, of course, to minimize the likelihood of these occurrences in the first place. |
"Microwave-enhanced chemical reactions are safer, faster, cleaner, and more economical than conventional reactions. The impact of microwave technology on laboratory instruction and research in academia can significantly improve educational programs at all levels and help attract students to chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical biology."
Professor Ajay K. Bose
Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey |
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