The automation of solution phase synthetic chemistry using XP Zymate™ laboratory robotic systems

The challenge of developing automated systems to undertake solution phase synthesis was embarked upon at Zeneca Pharmaceuticals in 1992. The objective of this project, using XP Zymate™ laboratory robots, has been realised with the establishment of a Research Department facility that has enabled research chemists to utilise the systems to generate compounds for test in relevant biological screens. The systems developed use the minimum of modification to the chemical method of reaction assembly, execution and isolation required of the products. This year will see the expansion of the Robotics facility from 3 to 7 systems. To date over 8000 novel individual compounds have been synthesised. Products have been purified where necessary, and over 30 different types of chemistry have been utilised. The work undertaken has covered the full scope of synthetic chemistry in the research process, incorporating library generation for high throughput screening, lead identification, and lead optimisation. To describe the work of the group an overview of the capabilities of the systems and the types of work undertaken, within the facility, is presented.