Democratizing synthesis by automation

Computer code directs interconnected modules that perform primary steps of synthesis There is something particularly satisfying in watching an automaton as it impeccably performs its task, be it an Archimedean screw pump or a machine for making cookie cutters. In this vein, the videos accompanying the article on page 144 by Steiner et al. (1), depicting their self-driven synthetic chemistry setup—in effect, an automated chemical assembly line—are mesmerizing. The authors constructed a broad-purpose chemical synthesis system comprising interconnected modules coupled with a standardized computer code and architecture. Put in simpler terms, they built a fully equipped fume hood that functions without the need of a human operator. Validating their approach, the synthesizer autonomously prepared three pharmaceutical compounds—diphenhydramine hydrochloride, rufinamide, and sildenafil—according to tailored computer codes provided by the authors.