Self-driving labs are transforming chemistry; but high cost & complexity limit access to a few well-funded labs.

We wanted to change that.

Our new paper in #NatureSynthesis introduces RoboChem-Flex 🧪🤖

🔗https://nature.com/articles/s44160-026-01053-0

#selfdrivinglab #flowchemistry #optimization

This work opens new possibilities in the field of transition metal electrochemistry. Exciting times ahead. (7/7)

... But this project still had a lot to offer. Along the way, we discovered that under these conditions, cinnamaldehydes react in a Giese-like addition, leading to aromatization after the thermal step. A simple and effective way to synthesize p-terphenyls. (6/n)

In the mechanistic study, we demonstrated that W not only promotes the DODH reaction but also mediates the pinacol coupling in the electrochemical step.

One metal, multiple purposes! (5/n)

Robust and scalable reaction, works with aldehydes, ketones, diols... with prolonged electrolysis the double bond can be even reduced! (4/n)

We figured out that both the electrochemical and the thermal steps were essential to accomplish the reaction, which worked via echem pinacol coupling and thermal deoxydehydration. We streamlined the two steps in flow #gowiththeflow (3/n)

In the literature, precedents showed that chemical and electrochemical approaches could activate W to engage formal carbonyl metathesis. However, when we tried to replicate those results, something was not adding up... Turns out the reaction happened in the liner of the GC! (2/n)

Tungsten Electrochemistry in Organic Synthesis!

In our latest @chemrxiv.org, we present an exciting collaboration with Merck US. An 18-month project carried out by (now Dr.) Nikola Petrovic

Buckle up, story time! (1/n)

chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10....

More than the shape, the material ;)

Coming Soon...

Electrochemical self-optimization for the synthesis of densely functionalized molecules Bayesian optimization enables the exploration of complex chemical spaces to obtain optimized conditions in an expedited fashion. By leveraging this machine learning technique, an autonomous electrochemical flow platform was developed, integrating a liquid handling robot and online analytics. Using this platform, three different electrochemical transformations toward the synthesis of densely functionalized molecules were optimized by tuning a wide range of input variables.

Online now: Electrochemical self-optimization for the synthesis of densely functionalized molecules

In the final version, we implemented a Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization for our nickel electrocatalyzed study, along with a SHAP analysis of the collected data. Finally, we performed a thorough comparison with DoE.

Our work on self-optimizing electrochemical reactions is now online (Open Access) on @cp-chem.bsky.social

Check it out:

doi.org/10.1016/j.ch...

Cannot agree more... Old platforms may did not have a slick interface, but we're super solid. I guess it will take time to smooth up these new processes... :(

I agree, we are transitioning... But it's concerning how generally it's getting harder and harder to interact with a human in these online platforms

To me they did a sort of "manuscript check", bounced it back on a Saturday signed by the editorial board... Took me 4-5 working days to find a human to bypass this 'check'.

I am sure all the new submission platforms have implemented AI, not sure up to which extent though...

Over the moon sharing that our work is online in JACS @pubs.acs.org!

You can find the published version here (Open Access):

pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

We tested this approach with four different anodic transformations, scope and intensification included. Also, the students had a lot of fun digging out snow and defrosting salt from the frosty Graz roads to run a robustness reaction (detailed info in the SI).

... And this is why

By combining these two solvents, we achieved the use of simple inorganic electrolyte salts without compromising the solubility of organic compounds. The use of high mass-transfer electrochemical reactors is the key to promoting this solvent switch.

Electrochemistry to the next sustainable level: In our first work of the year, we present a general water/propylene carbonate mixture to carry out anodic reactions.

Check it out!

t.co/vKTiLTF0ga

Could we please avoid comparison? I am sensitive to this. Calzone IS NOT an empanada. They are both delicious, but in different ways 🤣🤣🤣

A current take on the Swern oxidation Electrochemical update to a classic reaction trades cryogenic conditions for room temperature, to selectively convert primary and secondary alcohols into aldehydes and ketones

An electrochemical approach to the classic Swern oxidation converts alcohols to aldehydes and ketones at room temperature, eliminating the need for dangerous reagents and extreme conditions.

I think this initiative was more to have an AI that can spark constructive criticism on a scientific work, rather than a mere expedient to circumvent our duty as peer-reviewers. As always, it depends on how you use the tool, isn't it?

I totally agree John, it happened to me to receive sus peer review, but how would you prove it? I mean, how could I sustain the argumentation of an alleged AI peer-review? :(

I totally agree... MOF has been in the shortlist for a while...

Since the review is about the modular nature of these platforms and how they were exploited in the literature, puzzle pieces came up pretty naturally. My biggest problem was filling the lab bench in back 😬

Thanks for the kind words! The idea of the e-chem robot dreaming about automating itself was something that was bugging my head for a while! That was where the whole concept started :)

I had a lot of fun designing the cover. It started from a simple concept: I wanted to revisit a classic in sci-fi literature. My wife sketched the idea for me, the rest is history :) #chemsky

Automating Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry: Concepts and Advancements A tutorial review on how to build an automated electrochemical flow platform, including the most relevant progresses and the future directions of the field, is studied.

Interested in automating your electrochemical reaction? Check our tutorial review on automation in synthetic organic electrochemistry, online open access on Chemistry Methods

Modules description and relevant examples, all in one document!

chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...