KAIST researchers automate light-driven synthesis and compound analysis

KAIST researchers demonstrated a laboratory platform that automatically mixes raw materials, performs light-driven chemical reactions and analyses the resulting compounds. The team applied its synthetic method to more than 20 furan-based compounds and continuously produced an N-methyl pyrrole scaffold, a molecular framework used in pharmaceutical development. The system combines a dispensing robot, pumps, an illuminated reaction tube and analytical equipment. Feeding solution through a narrow tube distributes light evenly; running the process longer increases production. Researchers must first prepare the equipment and set reaction conditions. The work, published in JACS Au, demonstrates compound synthesis rather than drug efficacy or safety.