Grafted supports in solid-phase synthesis

Solid-phase synthesis is greatly dependent on the solid phase. We are inter ested ir? the development of a "pellicular" type of solid support where a m ore mobile polymer is grafred to rigid plastics. Compared to low cross-link ed microporous beads that dominate the field this approach allows great fle xibility of design, as plastics are available as sheets, films, or threads, or can be molded into any shape, as required. Many different polymers or c opolymers can be grafted onto my particular shape to give a wide choice of options in the physicochemical characteristics of the actual solid support. As nl? example of such a solid support, we report on polystyrene-grafted p olypropylene in a particular shape that we have called "Lanterns". Its synt hesis characteristics are compared to the commonly available low cross-link ed polystyrene resins. As well, the handling advantages of these types of s upports in multiple synthesis are highlighted. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.