ORGN 489 |
| Publications on microwave assisted compound synthesis from drug discovery labs surfaced in the late 1990s. An earlier break from customary experimental methods caused ripples throughout the scientific community. Like the pulses of energy that define an electromagnetic wave responses alternated between positive and negative views of the new technique. Some researchers were not convinced microwave ovens were better than heater-stir plates while others concluded it would work only for certain applications. These judgments dampened the surging interest in microwave chemistry. Dedicated experimentalists expanded the application of microwaves to chemistry that traditionally proceeded without added energy. These applications in addition to new instruments specifically designed for synthetic organic chemistry reenergized drug discovery efforts. Wyeth had begun to synthesize compounds using microwaves as early as 1993. Recent parallel synthesis initiatives combined with automated purification devices have led to a sudden onset of productivity. |
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Technical Achievements in Organic Chemistry Awards
9:30 AM-12:00 PM, Wednesday, 31 August 2005 Washington DC Convention Center -- Ballroom C, Oral
Division of Organic Chemistry |