Microwave parallel library generation: comparison of a conventional- and microwave-generated substituted 4(5)-sulfanyl-1H-imidazole library.

A methodology for the microwave parallel synthesis of libraries is described. The procedure involves the use of an array of expandable reaction vessels, which can accommodate pressure buildup within the vessel due to heating without loss of volatile solvents or reagents. A demonstration 24-membered library of substituted 4(5)-sulfanyl-1H-imidazoles was generated by both conventional and microwave procedures, achieving a reduction from 12 h to 16 min in library generation time for the microwave approach.