Spatially defined synthesis

Abstract

In accordance with the method of the invention and within the framework of the split synthesis technique, compounds are synthesized on macroscopic solid support units which are spatially organized in groups, referred to herein as strings, so that the location of each unit in a string is known and recorded. Each string is placed in a reaction vessel for contact with a suitable reagent or reagents to couple a first component on the support units. Each string is submitted to a different reaction and the sequential arrangement of the support units is maintained throughout the whole reaction step and any subsequent washing steps. At the completion of a reaction step the support units of the strings (referred to as source strings) are sorted in a different sequential arrangement to form new strings (referred to as destination strings) for the next reaction step. The reorganization of the support units into new destination strings is recorded for each reaction step in the synthesis. The destination strings may then be converted to source strings by subjecting each string to different second reaction steps to couple another component onto the solid support units. The reaction and sorting steps are repeated until the desired products are formed. The sequence history is reviewed and the composition of each product is predicted without the need for tags or labels. The sorting steps can be carried out manually or preferably by automated means.