flexiWAVE

Advanced Flexible Microwave Synthesis Platform

The new Milestone flexiWAVE overcomes the limitation of conventional microwave synthesis reactors, as it consists of a single microwave platform that, in combination with specific accessories, allows the chemists to perform classic glassware and high pressure synthesis, as well as solid-phase reactions.

Last generation, dedicated microwave platform

While other manufacturers use molded plastic, Milestone uses 18/8 stainless steel construction throughout which creates the most durable, reliable, and safe microwave system available.

LARGEST MICROWAVE CAVITY

The flexiWAVE’s microwave cavity has a volume in excess of 70 litres, by far the largest currently available. A large cavity allows the chemist to easily configure many different reactions setup in a very flexible environment. Starting from the classic synthesis glassware moving to high-pressure vessels working -alone or in parallel configuration, a large cavity is also fundamental to perform solid phase synthesis tasks.

MW FIELD HOMOGENEITY

The system employs a rotating diffuser that evenly distributes the microwaves throughout the cavity. High power coupled with the diffuser enables very fast and homogeneous heating of samples.

HIGHEST MICROWAVE POWER

The flexiWAVE is equipped with two 950 Watt magnetrons for a total of 1900 Watt making it the most powerful microwave platform system available for organic and inorganic synthesis.

BUILT-IN EXHAUST SYSTEM

The flexiWAVE actually acts as a relatively small fume hood, as it incorporates a powerful exhaust system, which cools the outer surface of the reactors and provides a safe and efficient removal of vapors from the microwave cavity.

BEST REACTION CONTROL

The most advanced yet easy to use reaction sensors enable the complete control of the reaction process. Temperature can be monitored by fiber optic and infrared sensors. When performing parallel reactions, a contact-less sensor is used to control each and every vessel, and the actual temperature values are shown on the instrument control terminal, allowing an instant visual check of the reaction conditions.

MAGNETIC STIRRING

A magnetic stirrer is built-in in the flexiWAVE system. It is designed to ensure vigorous stirring of the solutions in all vessels, independently on their position in the cavity, thus assuring reliable and consistent results.

THE BEST THINGS COME IN THREES

Classic Glassware

The flexiWAVE has been designed and engineered as a ‘microwave platform’, where all types of commonly used glassware can be used. This clearly results in a very flexible system, with a wide range of applications capabilities. The Classic Glassware setup, for instance, provides the suitable apparatus for a full reaction optimization, for research or teaching purposes. It allows the chemists to perform synthetic reactions under reflux and subsequently, any chemical reaction currently carried out with hot plates, heating mantles or oil baths, could be rapidly improved by adopting microwave technology.

CONVENTIONAL SYNTHESIS IN MICROWAVE CAVITY
DISTILLATION
REFLUX
REAGENTS ADDITION
EASY SAMPLING

High-Pressure

Stubborn reactions are typically carried out in refluxing conditions, using high boiling solvents such as xylenes, 1,2-dichlorobenzene and N-methyl pyrrolidone. High boiling solvents are then difficult to remove upon workup, especially as reaction scale increases. The High-Pressure setup is capable of replacing reflux devices, moving from high boiling solvents to low boiling solvents. Moreover, high temperature reactions (up to 300 °C) can be used. The benefits are well known and documented in terms of easier work-up and products purity. Up to 15 high-pressure vessels may be used simultaneously for parallel synthesis.

HIGH PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE
FASTER REACTION RATE
SWITCHING FROM HIGH BOILING POINT SOLVENTS TO LOWER ONE
SINGLE-VESSEL OR PARALLEL SYNTHESIS

Solid-Phase

Heating heterogeneous reaction mixtures, thick media or solid phase systems suffers of inhomogeneous temperature distribution and stirring difficulties using conventional microwave instruments. The innovative Solid-Phase setup offers the unique capability of physically rotating the reaction vessel, to achieve very homogenous bulk heating of slurries, viscous and solid reaction mixtures media. The reaction temperature is controlled by a contact-less infrared sensor. Furthermore, the Solid-Phase setup allows operations under normal atmosphere, inert gas, and vacuum. Functionalization and modifications of materials, polycondensation, coating, and dehydration of natural oils are some of the most common applications.

HOMOGENEOUS HEATING OF SOLID MIXTURE
NO WALL EFFECT
EASY REMOVAL OF VOLATILE BY-PRODUCTS
SOLUTION CONCENTRATION DURING THE REACTION PROCESS

easyCONTROL

Operating Software

The flexiWAVE is controlled via a compact terminal with an easy-to-read, bright, fullcolour, touchscreen display. The terminal is provided with multiple USB and Ethernet ports for interfacing the instrument to external devices and to the local laboratory network. The terminal runs a completely new user-friendly, icon-driven, multi-language software to provide easy control of the microwave run. Simply recall a previously stored method or create a new one, press ‘START’ and the system will automatically follow the user defined temperature utilizing a sophisticated PID algorithm. Furthermore, all reaction parameters can be modify “on-the-fly”, thus assuring the highest flexibility of operation.

SafeVIEW System

The flexiWAVE SafeVIEW is a high definition digital camera interfaced with the instrument terminal. It allows the chemist to monitor the progress of the chemical reaction whilst fully protected by the all-stainless steel door of the instrument. A video of the entire run is shown in real time allowing to follow the reaction and the additions of reagents to be followed.

ONLINE FREE WEBINAR

New horizons in microwave chemical synthesis:
flexibility and high pressure capabilities

Learn how microwave technology is changing the way to design and optimize synthetic protocols and their scaling up to multi-gram production.
Sign up for a virtual technology demonstration with our Product Specialist and learn about the benefits microwave chemistry can offer you and your lab!

An introduction into microwave technology for synthesis
How to to perform microwave synthesis with high pressure capabilities and flexibility of operations
How to operate synthesis under modified conditions (reactive gases)
Examples of typical applications