Micro-Raman

PerkinElmer has introduced the RamanMicro 300, a Raman microscope system designed to produce high-quality Raman data from either physically small samples or from small areas of large samples. 

The RamanMicro 300 is designed for applications in industrial research and troubleshooting; detailed analyses of sample homogeneity such as pharmaceutical tablets; analysis of multilayer polymers and polymer defects; academic research and teaching (chemistry, chemical engineering, forensics); material conservation (painting, wood, stone and metal surfaces, fabrics); forensic analysis of fibers, single crystals and other small particles; and analysis of explosives. 

For micro-macro and Raman-probe capabilities, the RamanMicro 300 can be linked to the RamanStation 400, resulting in a system that is ideal for routine analyses, but is equally suited to Raman imaging and even remote sampling or reaction monitoring. 
productinfo@perkinelmer.com 

Quite a stir 

Radleys of Saffron Walden, UK, has launched the Tornado, a unique reactor system that allows the simultaneous mechanical stirring of up to six round bottom flasks from 50 to 250ml. 

The Tornado connects directly onto the Carousel 6 Reaction Station without the need for tools, providing chemists with a versatile, parallel synthesis station. 

The Tornado evenly distributes high-torque stirring to all positions of the Carousel 6. The resulting powerful, parallel overhead stirring (up to 10,000 cps at 500 rpm) enables the system to easily cope with highly viscous liquids. The system is also well suited for dispersing delicate solids or resins in low viscosity solutions. 

An easy-to-use, tool-free 'Pinch-Grip' mechanism for fast removal or exchange of stirrer shafts, combined with a unique stirrer sealing system allows the Tornado to stir up to six flasks while under vacuum or an inert atmosphere.
sales@radleys.co.uk 

Quality control

Asynt of Isleham, UK, has launched a new range of its DrySyn Classic heating blocks. Design improvements have resulted in improved heat transfer characteristics up to 300ºC, faster heating and cooling, and smaller footprint. 

Used in combination with a standard hotplate stirrer, these blocks replace dangerous oil baths in the laboratory and in any caser can heat a reaction flask 25% faster than an oil bath.

The basic DrySyn Classic package consists of a base unit that takes a standard 1000 ml round-bottomed flask, and a set of adaptors for other sizes, from 50 ml upwards.
sales@asynt.com 

Temperature standard 

Isothermal Technology (Isotech) of Southport, UK, has introduced the TTI-22, a high accuracy laboratory thermometer, ideal for use a reference standard alongside liquid calibration baths, for the smallest uncertainty calibration with dry blocks or for demanding stand-alone measurement applications. The TTI-22 has an accuracy of 0.001ºC and a resolution of 0.0001ºC. 
info@isotech.co.uk 

Screening with LC-MS 

Thermo Fisher Scientific of San Jose, California, US, has launched the ToxSpec LC-MS Analyzer for clinical and forensic toxicology screening laboratories.  

The ToxSpec Analyzer includes a tested drug screening methodology that covers every step of screening from sample preparation to analysis, data processing and reporting. The ToxSpec Analyzer CD includes: SPE sample preparation, LC-MS data acquisition, a compound library, and ToxID software. 

The ToxID software requires only an initial configuration; it then integrates behind the scenes and is automatically implemented by the data acquisition software for compound identification and report generation. The ToxID software can generate summary and data review reports in PDF format as well as Excel reports, depending on lab needs. 

Using the ToxSpec Analyzer LC-MS approach to toxicology screening provides researchers with more flexibility than traditional approaches. With the ToxSpec Analyzer, researchers can add new compounds to the application as needed, a huge benefit as new drugs are discovered. 
analyze@thermo.com 

Traces in polymers 

Shimadzu Scientific of Milton Keynes, UK, has introduced a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) mass spectrometery system for analysing ultra-trace substances such as impurities and additives in plastics and synthetic polymers. 

The GPC-Accuspot-Axima combines a high-resolution GPC system, the Accuspot automated fraction collection and spotting device, and an Axima series Maldi-Tof mass spectrometer. To fully automate the process, Shimadzu redesigned its Accuspot, a high-capacity liquid chromatography spotting system specifically designed for MS analysis, to make it compatible with standard GPC organic solvents. 

The device mixes the GPC eluent with Maldi matrix solution and automatically deposits the resulting solution onto the Maldi sample target, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity. 

With the GPC-Accuspot-Axima system, researchers can automatically fraction a maximum of 384 1 m L samples of a separated sample.This eliminates the uncertainty associated with manual processing between separation by liquid chromatography and analysis by Maldi mass spectrometry. 

Intelligent Polymer Analysis software calculates monomer unit molecular weight, end termini masses, polydispersity and average molecular weight. 

The GPC-Accuspot-Axima offers more detailed analysis of trace components that cannot be detected due to ion suppression and also helps detect substances that can affect material characteristics such as durability and deterioration. 
info@shimadzu.co.uk