Tools for efficient high-throughput synthesis.

Here, we detail the major developments in methods and techniques that are applicable to high-throughput synthesis that have evolved over the past five years, with an emphasis on the combination of microwave-based synthesis with techniques such as polymer-assisted purification and immobilized reagents and catalysts. Other aspects, such as automation, miniaturization and flow-based synthesis, are also presented as approaches that can be used for the rapid discovery and optimization of small organic molecules.