abstract |
A method for reducing evaporation of a liquid reagent solution during solid phase, micro-scale chemical synthesis of a molecule comprising sub-units on an open environment solid support surface. The method includes the steps of providing an open solid support surface including at least one binding site which is functionalized with a reactive chemical moiety; and depositing a substantially controlled and minute volume of liquid reagent solution onto the support surface, and in contact with the binding site. The reagent solution includes reactants contained in at least one relatively high boiling point solvent, in contrast to standard organic solvents for such reagents. Application of a high boiling point solvent substantially reduces evaporation of the reagent solution in the open environment during synthesis on the solid support while enabling the maintenance of a substantially high reaction yield. |