University of Nottingham Further Invests in Green Chemistry Lab

The School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, UK, has placed a sizeable order with Asynt to upgrade its undergraduate teaching facilities with DrySyn Scholar Plus heating block systems.

The School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham is one of the leading chemistry departments in the UK and is recognised internationally for its outstanding research portfolio, excellence in teaching and extensive engagement with industry. Its expertise spans the spectrum of modern chemical technology, including synthesis, analysis and characterisation, ranging from the core chemistry disciplines to areas at the interface with biological sciences and engineering (sustainable chemical processing). In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the University of Nottingham formalised a collaboration to establish a new laboratory to accommodate a Centre of Excellence for sustainable chemistry, and to construct an innovative carbon neutral sustainable chemistry facility.

David Chambers-Asman, Director of Operations & Administration at the School of Chemistry, commented: “In line with Nottingham’s commitment to develop ‘green and sustainable’ chemistry methodologies, we wanted to find a safe, more environmentally-friendly alternative to heated oil baths for our undergraduates to learn about organic synthesis. Using heated oil baths presented a risk to our students (through accidental spillage) and involved periodic requirement to dispose of large quantities of oil, a risk and environmental burden eliminated by using the DrySyn Scholar Plus.”

Specifically designed for safety conscious teaching laboratories, the DrySyn Scholar Plus kit enables single 50, 100 or 250 ml round bottom flask reactions to be performed safely without the mess or inherent hazards of a hot oil bath or heating mantle. Prominent, permanently fixed lifting handles ensure moving even hot reaction blocks is easy, fast and safe. Compatible with almost any magnetic hotplate stirrer, the low thermal mass design of the DrySyn Scholar minimises both power consumption and reaction heat-up time.

Asynt Ltd, +44 1638 781709, sales@asynt.com, www.asynt.com.