The new Navigator system is designed to speed up synthesis and improve reproducibility and yield. Microwaves accelerate reactions without breaking down or affecting the substrate activity. This limits chance of unwanted by-reactions taking place, and reduces the amount of substrate that escapes reaction.

The Navigator is based on Zinsser 's existing LISSY, CALLI, and LIPOS workbenches, with a cut-out on the right for the microwave. The system is configured with 96-position racks and an XYZ robotic arm that can act independently of the microwave synthesis programme.

The latter can be used for accurate dispensing of dry materials such as powders, resins, salts, as well as liquids. The robot can also be used for mixing, adding reagents, level detection of liquids, handling disposable tips, etc.

In addition, the workstation comes with integrated shakers, cooling or heating vortexers, vacuum stations and balances.

For safe microwave treatment the CEM pressure seals are automatically put on the reaction tubes prior to feeding it into the microwave. The system also de-caps the tubes if necessary for sample addition or retrieval.

Zinsser and CEM note that the Navigator can be used as a work-horse for microwave synthesis or combined with sample preparation and/or post synthesis work-up on the same platform.

The announcement follows a product development from Sweden's Biotage, which in May launched a new microwave synthesiser under the Initiator trade name.