The yield and practicality of every reaction in synthesis are limited by the ability to separate and recover the final pure product from the reaction mixture. The desired compound is to be synthesised cheaply, efficiently and safely. The need for new compounds is especially acute in the pursuit of new drugs, catalysts and materials. In response to this need, the emerging disciplines of combinatorial(1-3) synthesis and automated organic synthesis are beginning to provide new compounds at a greatly accelerated pace. Synthetic organic chemistry has usually been distinguished by the need of several synthetic steps in the preparation of one compound. Along this line, the synthetic chemist has been trained to produce a single target compound with maximum yield and purity. Thus traditional chemistry often makes synthesis a time consuming and expensive activity. On the other hand, in industry where profitability is the most important motive, saving both time and money is vital. To increase productivity, chemists have been trying to innovate their approach to synthesis. Under these circumstances, combinatorial chemistry has found ample space for development. This emerging sub-discipline has initiated a major rethink of the way chemistry is practised. In particular, combinatorial chemistry has instigated a reappraisal and resurgence in the synthesis and analysis of compounds attached to solid-phase supports. These aspects are changing the way chemistry is performed and will ultimately lead to more rapid and effective research. Combinatorial chemistry augurs to quickly find the sought, though unknown, targets by giving more tries. Chemists have recognised the potential. Research in the development of new solid supports and catalysts, which was stagnant for some time, has now gathered momentum. The rush towards new and better solid supports and catalysts is on.
This project was devoted to the development of new solid supports that are based on styrene and maleic anhydride derivatives (maleimides). The more polar backbone of these polymer beads is expected to be compatible with a wider range of solvents than traditional polystyrene supports.
