Chemical Synthesis Reactor Systems | Equipment for Chemical Synthesis

Chemical Synthesis Reactors with Built-in Automation Tools

Easy Max 102 Advanced Benchtop Chemical Synthesis Reactor

EasyMax 102

Basic, Advanced, and LowTemp Models

The ideal parallel synthesis workstation to replace the round-bottom flask in the lab. Læs mere

EasyMax 402 Advanced Synthesis Workstation

EasyMax 402

Basic and Advanced Models

Automated parallel synthesis workstation with larger reaction vessels. Læs mere

optimax 1001 chemical synthesis reactor

OptiMax 1001

Pilot Scale Safety Applications

Simplify organic chemistry and eliminate dangerous handling of oil and ice baths. Læs mere

Chemical Synthesis Reactor Testimonials

johnson and johnson logo

Luc Moens, Chemical Process and R&D

Johnson & Johnson, Belgium

"With the EasyMax, we get more successful experiments done and develop better processes."

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Dr. Gerry Budz, Chemical Development

Novartis Pharma, USA

"The EasyMax touchpad and vessel setup is easy and state-of-the-art. I can plan reactions ahead so I can focus on my chemistry rather than working on equipment issues…"

pfizer logo

Dr. Marty Guinn, Chemical Development

Pfizer Pharma, USA

"We have distributed EasyMax units to individual users and established walk-up EasyMax workstations and they are used in both early- and late-stage development."

novartis logo

Dr. Anthony M. DiJulio

Novartis Pharma, USA

"The EasyMax system is simple, reliable and is the workhorse in our lab. Our enjoyment of this product extends beyond the equipment itself …"

What is a chemical synthesis reactor?

Chemical synthesis reactors are vessels in which chemical reactions take place. Reaction parameters, such as temperature, dosing, stirring, and sampling, are set to perform a synthesis reaction. The accuracy and precision of those reaction parameters play an important role in the selectivity, conversion, and reproducibility of the chemical reaction.

What are the types of chemical synthesis reactors?

There are three types of chemical reactors:

  1. Batch reactors
  2. Continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR)
  3. Plug flow reactors (PFR)

Batch reactors are stirred tank reactors where the chemical reaction occurs in a confined space over a period of time.

Continuous stirred-tank reactors, or semi-batch reactors, have reactants continuously added and (by)products are removed.

Plug-flow reactors are usually tubular reactors, where the conversion of chemical reactions is influenced by residential time.

What are the challenges with traditional synthesis reactor equipment?

The preparation of manual lab equipment tends to be cumbersome and slow while putting the scientist at risk of exposure. Traditional setups also tend to be poorly controlled when it comes to limiting the reaction parameter range, including T, p, pH, and sampling, which risks inconsistent and non-reproducible results. Information gaps limit understanding if data is not recorded or documentation is lost.

How can I automate my lab reactor?

METTLER TOLEDO automated chemical synthesis reactor systems are designed for quick start-up, easy handling, precise control, intrinsic safety, and integrated analysis and reporting. Recipe are initiated from the preconfigured home screen touchscreen. No ice or oil baths are required, despite the availability of a variety of volumes and application ranges. Precise 24/7 control of all reaction parameters assures better data quality and complete data sets, while active cooling allows fast temperature control and avoids unexpected side products. Easy data export ensures easy visualization and traceability of results.

Additionally, the RX-10 reactor control system can connect to your existing jacketed lab reactor to automate cumbersome tasks for those that do not need full workstation setups. This reactor control system uses the same touchscreen interface as the full workstations for seamless workflows.

Do METTLER TOLEDO chemical synthesis reactors support Design of Experiment (DoE)?

doe design of experiments

doe design of experiments
doe design of experiments

Because our chemical synthesis reactors are designed to minimize bottlenecks and maximize the efficiency of the chemical laboratory, our models easily enable Design of Experiment (DoE) studies to produce high-quality experimental data. You can use METTLER TOLEDO reactors to optimize reaction and process parameters and explore how various combinations of settings such as temperature, pH, dosing, and stirring affect outcomes.

What is the difference between Basic and Advanced models?

EasyMax Advanced offers more features than its Basic counterpart. The Advanced personal synthesis workstation offers a more comprehensive information management platform, including graph trends and task sequences on the touchscreen and full data capture/experiment documentation. You can also easily integrate and add the capabilities of:

  • iC Data Center™ software, to share data and build institutional knowledge
  • iControl™ software for planning, advanced control, and data evaluation
  • Heat flow calorimetry for process safety screening to identify, eliminate, and correct non-scalable reaction conditions

See all Basic and Advanced models:

Can I connect my reactor to third party accessories?

Yes! Extend your reactor for automated control and data capture of 3rd party devices including sensors and dosing/sampling solutions with the Easy Control Box (ECB) accessory, purchased separately.

ECB provides dosing control capabilities and easily connects commercially available pumps and balances for automated pre-programmed gravimetric or volumetric dosing. The accessory has plug-and-measure functionality with SmartConnect technology sensors. Control elements are automatically recognized, making reactor configuration simple and easy.  

Learn more about Easy Control Box (ECB).

Automated Chemical Synthesis Reactors in Journal Publications​

Below is a selection of publications about chemical synthesis reactors.​

  • Peplow, M. – "Automation for the people: Training a new generation of chemists in data-driven synthesis", C&EN, October 27, 2019, Vol. 97, Issue 42​
  • Yang., et al. "Evaluation of Potential Safety Hazards Associated with the Suzuki−Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Vinylboron Species." Org. Process Res. Dev. 2018, 22, 351−359​
  • Buetti-Weekly, Michele T., et al. "Development of a safe and scalable process for the preparation of allyl glyoxalate." Organic Process Research & Development 22.1, 2018: 82-90.​
  • Thomas, et al. "Scalable and Selective Preparation of 3, 3′, 5, 5′-Tetramethyl-2, 2′-biphenol." Organic Process Research & Development 21.1, 2017: 79-84.​
  • Charles D. Papageorgiou et al. "Development and Scale-up of an Efficient Miyaura Borylation Process Using Tetrahydroxydiboron" Organic Process Research & Development 22.1, 2017, 65-74​
  • Kinetics of a C-H Activation Reaction, Sampling Air-Sensitive Reactions, METTLER TOLEDO Application Note based on studies by Brian Vanderplas and David Place, Pfizer​
  • Hwang R., Noack R. M. − International Journal of Experimental Design and Process Optimisation, 2011, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 58 − 65​
  • Guidance for Industry, Q8 (R2) Pharmaceutical Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, November 2009, Revision 2​
  • Mills J. E. – Chemical Process Research, ACS Symposium Series, 2003, Chapter 6, pp 87 – 109 ​
  • Owen et al. − Organic Process Research & Development, 2001, 5, pp. 308 − 323​