Chemical Sciences

The Centre for Rapid Online Analysis of Reactions (ROAR) provides clients with the hardware, software and expertise needed to support data-rich experimentation in synthetic chemistry. It aims to pave the way for Synthesis 4.0, develop the next generation of (automated) synthesis and analytical technologies – and help the UK take the lead in Molecular Sciences.

The Centre supports fundamental and translational research with the protocols and tools required for rapid execution and analysis of reactions – and provides solutions to optimise reaction efficiency, selectivity, and robustness.

ROAR also works with vendors to develop the next generation of technologies in chemical synthesis, reaction analysis, laboratory automation and optimisation.

Training in chemical synthesis, analytical science, automation/robotics, reaction engineering and mathematical/data analysis can also be provided to future-proof your work-force.

Capabilities of the Centre include…

 

Robotic reactor platforms for high-throughput parallel experimentation

  • Handles plates, vials and bottles up to 125 mL
  • Automated dispensing of solids and liquids
  • Automated sampling during reactions
  • High temperature and pressure capabilities
  • Heated filtration for solubility and recrystallisation studies

 

Data-rich kinetic experimentation platforms for reaction progress and kinetic analysis across scales from 2 mL to 1 L.

  • Calorimetry
  • In-situ infra-red spectroscopy
  • UV-vis spectroscopy
  • Automated sampling
  • Collects temperature, pH and other PAT data

 

Continuous flow reactors for investigative research and scale up.

  • Homogeneous and multiphase systems
  • High temperature (< 450 °C) and pressure (< 200 bar)
  • Photochemistry
  • In-line IR spectroscopy

 

Analytical instrumentation dedicated for rapid orthogonal analysis of reactions.

  • uPLC-MS with rapid sampling capability
  • SFC and uPLC hybrid system for rapid chiral analysis
  • Further analytical capabilities available within the Department of Chemistry Measurement Suite

 

Partners also provide additional capabilities and resources.

 

Our consultants are world-leading experts in their field, committed to on-going research.

Related Insights

The search for a cure

The search for a cure

For the past 25 years Imperial has been at the heart of the hunt for a cure for HIV. This is the story of that search – of the highs, the lows, the setbacks and the breakthroughs. read more

Innovative body modifications

Innovative body modifications

From mind reading machines to edible water bottles, self-learning bionic hands to smart tattoos, the feature article highlights a range of inventions created by staff, students and citizen scientists which aim to make our lives a little more exciting and a little easier. read more

Factories of the Future

Factories of the Future

Additive manufacturing is an automated production process enabling complex 3D designs to be transformed into physical objects. Read about the benefits and implications. read more

Related case studies

Hepatitis C genotype and drug resistance testing

Hepatitis C genotype and drug resistance testing

Genotype and resistance testing for new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs designed to treat Hepatitis C virus (HCV). read more

Twenty20 cricket bat testing

Twenty20 cricket bat testing

The consultants shared expertise and testing in line with MCC rules to help Mongoose develop the MMi3 cricket bat which is an improvement on the standard cricket bat. read more

Structures under extreme loading

Structures under extreme loading

The consultants shared their expertise in seismic assessment and design to support the development of EN1998, also known as Eurocode 8. read more

Latest news

Imperial’s new COVID-19 testing lab goes live

Imperial’s new COVID-19 testing lab goes live

Imperial’s contribution to the Testing Alliance launched. Includes the UKAS accredited Molecular Diagnostic Unit (MDU) and existing high-throughput robotic platform for RNA extraction. read more

Power system flexibility is keeping Great Britain’s lights on

Power system flexibility is keeping Great Britain’s lights on

Maintaining flexible power systems able to rapidly respond to changes on the grid is critical in preventing power cuts as Britain transitions to a net zero economy according to Electric Insights report by Dr Iain Staffell and Drax read more

Imaging and management of complex MCDA pregnancy – 26 August

Imaging and management of complex MCDA pregnancy – 26 August

Live, ISUOG approved interactive session by European and Asian experts on the latest research on managing complex MCDA twins. For fetal medicine experts, radiologists, obstetricians, sonographers, specialist midwives, neonatologists and trainees in these fields. Starts 12 noon (UK) read more