Automated Sampling

Patented Probe Technology and In Situ Quenching

The technical core of the EasySampler is its patented probe design, which enables the collection of samples without traditional pumps or tubing. The probe head features a micro-pocket that opens into the reaction mixture to capture a fixed volume. Immediately upon retraction, the sample is mixed with a quench or dilution solvent inside the probe tip. This in situ quenching technically "freezes" the reaction at that specific timestamp, preventing further reaction or degradation. This is essential for accurately capturing transient intermediates and obtaining reliable kinetic data.

Elimination of Sampling Variability and Human Error

Manual sampling is often plagued by variability due to differences in operator technique, timing, and quenching delays. EasySampler technically eliminates these inconsistencies by automating the entire process. The system can be programmed to take samples at precise time intervals or based on specific reaction triggers. This high level of reproducibility ensures that the resulting reaction profiles are consistent across different experiments, providing a solid foundation for statistical analysis and process optimization.

Handling Air-Sensitive and Moisture-Sensitive Reactions

Sampling reactions that are sensitive to oxygen or moisture, such as organometallic syntheses, presents a significant technical hurdle. Traditional sampling involves opening the reactor, which can introduce contaminants. EasySampler operates as a closed system, maintaining the inert environment of the reactor throughout the sampling process. By performing the sample capture and quenching under a blanketing gas or within the protected probe environment, it preserves the integrity of the reaction and ensures the sample remains representative of the true chemical state.

Safety in Handling Toxic and Hazardous Chemistries

For reactions involving highly potent APIs, toxic reagents, or hazardous conditions, manual sampling poses a direct risk to the chemist. EasySampler provides a safe technical solution by allowing for fully unattended sampling. The operator does not need to open the reactor or come into contact with the reaction mixture. All sampled material is contained within the system and delivered directly into a sealed vial, significantly reducing the risk of exposure and enhancing the overall safety protocols of the laboratory.

Seamless Integration with Analytical Workflows

EasySampler is designed to bridge the gap between the synthesis reactor and analytical instruments like HPLC. Once a sample is collected and quenched, it can be automatically diluted to a target concentration suitable for direct injection. This technical integration streamlines the workflow, as the samples are delivered into standard vials ready for an autosampler. This reduces the manual labor involved in sample preparation and ensures that the analytical results are available more quickly to guide the next steps of process development.

Representative Sampling of Heterogeneous Mixtures

Technically, obtaining a representative sample from a heterogeneous mixture—such as a slurry or a reaction with precipitating solids—is extremely difficult with traditional methods. EasySampler’s probe design is engineered to handle these challenges. The sampling pocket captures a representative portion of the liquid phase even in the presence of solids. By avoiding the use of narrow tubing that could easily clog, the system ensures reliable operation throughout the duration of the reaction, providing consistent data even in complex, multi-phase systems.

Reaction Profiling and Kinetic Data Generation

The ability of EasySampler to take frequent, automated samples allows for the generation of high-density reaction profiles. By plotting the concentration changes of reactants, intermediates, and products over time, researchers can gain deep insights into reaction kinetics and mechanisms. This technical capability is vital for identifying the optimal reaction endpoint, minimizing byproduct formation, and understanding how changes in temperature or dosing rates affect the overall chemical performance.

Productivity Gains through Unattended Operation

Automated sampling enables the laboratory to function around the clock. EasySampler can be programmed to monitor reactions overnight or during weekends, taking samples at critical phases without requiring a physical presence in the lab. This technically extends the productive hours of the research team and accelerates project timelines. When used in conjunction with automated lab reactors like EasyMax or OptiMax, it creates a fully autonomous environment for comprehensive process characterization and development.

Read more about Mettler Toledo Automatic Sampling