Polymer discs - An alternative support format for solid phase synthesis

Monolithic crosslinked polymer rods (similar to 10 mm x 50 mm) have been prepared by polymerisation of styrene with divinylbenzene, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)400 diacrylate or PEG1000 diacrylate as crosslinker dissolved in a suitable solvent. Adjustment of the reaction composition allows soft but mechanically strong rods to be produced which can be readily cut into discs of 1-2.5 mm thickness. Discs with good swelling characteristics in toluene, DCM, MeOH and water, and which resist osmotic shock, have been prepared. Analogous vinylbenzyl chloride-based discs crosslinked either with divinylbenzene or with PEG1000 di-4-vinylbenzyl ether have also been produced. These have been chemically modified by reaction with NMe3, and also used in a two stage solid phase synthesis. Discs of individual mass up to 0.25g capable of yielding up to 0.5 mmole of a single compound in a solid phase synthesis have been used and demonstrated to be viable supports. This almost certainly does not represent the upper limit. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.