Researchers from the School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews (UK) are using a DrySyn Spiral Evaporator from Asynt to help synthesize novel reactive colloidal nanoparticles that present an exciting tool to create a new generation of ‘smart’ nanomaterials.

Dr Euan Kay – head of the group commented “The DrySyn Spiral Evaporator was mainly purchased for the removal of high boiling point solvents, such as water, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF), to produce dry samples of organic compounds and nanoparticles, and for removing solvent traces when transferring small samples into vials for storage. Before acquiring the DrySyn Spiral Evaporator from Asynt, we would dry down samples in rotary evaporators which were prone to solvent bumping (creating an unwanted sample clean-up). Alternatively, we would evaporate solvents from vials using a stream of compressed air. This option is only really feasible for lower boiling point solvents. Some of the nanomaterials we work with are only readily dispersed in water or DMF. Having the possibility to dry samples directly into vials, without resorting to freeze drying, is a big benefit to us both in terms of productivity and sample stability during storage. In many situations, the DrySyn Spiral Evaporator has shown itself to be more practical and faster than other methods. In addition, several of our bespoke molecular precursors are dense oils. Without the spiral evaporator, these were particularly difficult to dry down into vials (traces of solvents were left, bumps occurring while drying caused the loss of material). Because of the spiral evaporation effect of this instrument, oils are not static while drying, avoiding bumps and achieving far more efficient removal of solvent traces”.

Further Information:  https://www.asynt.com/product/drysyn-spiral-evaporator/