Sponsored by AsyntReviewed by Louis CastelJun 10 2024
As the field of photochemistry continues to grow in popularity, so does the demand for improved flexibility and customizability of the equipment. Asynt offers several options, all of which have been developed with the user in mind and are versatile, easy to configure, and ideal for the task at hand.
This article spotlights the role of the LightSyn Lighthouse screening photoreactor and the main features that benefit the user.
![What Does a Screening Photoreactor Do?](https://d12oja0ew7x0i8.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_23670_17171470144824897.jpg)
Image Credit: Asynt
1. Wavelength
Photoreactor wavelengths range from ultraviolet to infrared. The LightSyn Lighthouse makes screening with different wavelengths easy as it is a parallel system. This means up to three reactors can be used on just one standard laboratory hotplate, which enables up to three concurrent screening reactions, each with an individual, interchangeable LED light source (365, 395, 410, 523, 590, 623, 740, 850, and 940 nm wavelengths are available).
![What Does a Screening Photoreactor Do?](https://d12oja0ew7x0i8.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_23670_17171470273134202.jpg)
Image Credit: Asynt
2. Even Temperature Control
Temperature plays a major role in photochemical reactions, so having complete control over temperature can be key to the process. A cooling system can be combined with a photoreactor to preserve ambient temperature or cool the reaction (down to -30 ˚C for the LightSyn Lighthouse).
Each LightSyn Lighthouse photoreactor incorporates a built-in fan system to ensure the LED chip and driver remain cool during use. A laboratory hotplate (or a heating/cooling circulator) can heat the reaction; the LightSyn Lighthouse is compatible with heated reactions of up to 80 ˚C.
![What Does a Screening Photoreactor Do?](https://d12oja0ew7x0i8.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_23670_17171470333062693.jpg)
Image Credit: Asynt
3. Stirring
The LightSyn Lighthouse has been developed to fit any conventional magnetic stirrer for those reactions that necessitate stirring or agitation. Asynt recommends using a PTFE-coated magnetic stirrer and ensuring each of the three reaction vessels remains equidistant from the center of the magnetic field. Asynt’s system ensures the rate and vigor of stirring remain consistent for each of the LightSyn Lighthouse’s three vessels when performing parallel photochemical screening reactions.
![PTFE coated magnetic stirrer bars are used to agitate the reaction.](https://d12oja0ew7x0i8.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_23670_17175705402507075.png)
PTFE-coated magnetic stirrer bars are used to agitate the reaction. Image Credit: Asynt
4. Photon Penetration
Most photoreactors include an LED bulb that emits light into the reactants through air and glass. The intensity and efficiency of the LED source are usually limited.
With Asynt’s LightSyn Lighthouse, photons are directed from the LED directly into the reaction medium via a quartz rod immersed in the reaction medium. This process is similar, in theory, to a fiber optic cable and ensures minimal photon loss due to internal reflection.
![The Lighthouse’s quartz reactor rod channels photon directly into the reaction](https://d12oja0ew7x0i8.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_23670_17171470623006359.jpg)
The Lighthouse’s quartz reactor rod channels photons directly into the reaction. Image Credit: Asynt
Conclusion
The Asynt LightSyn Lighthouse allows users to perform parallel photochemical reactions readily. It offers options for replaceable LED modules and interchangeable heating, cooling, stirring, and sampling accessories.
![Image](https://d12oja0ew7x0i8.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_23670_45443279663101854556.png)
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Asynt.
For more information on this source, please visit Asynt.