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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
08:24
Optimization of the Ugi Reaction Using Parallel Synthesis and Automated Liquid Handling
Published on: November 11, 2008
Automated synthesis: new tools for the organic chemist
Hird1
1SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, New Frontiers Science Park - North, Third Avenue, Harlow, UK CM19 5AW.
Drug Discovery Today
|June 4, 1999
Summary
Automation in organic chemistry is now achievable due to combinatorial chemistry and economic needs. New tools are transforming compound synthesis from manual methods to mechanized processes in drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Automation in organic chemistry was historically challenging.
- Increased demand for drug discovery throughput created economic pressure for automation.
- The advent of combinatorial chemistry provided a new paradigm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of automation in organic synthesis.
- To highlight the impact of new tools on compound production.
- To discuss the shift towards mechanized synthesis in drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing automation approaches in chemical synthesis.
- Analysis of various tools developed for compound production.
- Discussion of the transition from traditional to automated synthesis.
Main Results:
- Several approaches to automate organic synthesis have been developed.
- A range of tools, varying in size and complexity, now support compound production.
- These tools are becoming increasingly accessible to organic chemists.
Conclusions:
- Automation is no longer an elusive goal in organic chemistry.
- New tools facilitate a move towards mechanized compound synthesis.
- This shift impacts the philosophy and practice of drug discovery groups.
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