High-throughput RAFT Polymerization via Automated Batch, Increment, and Continuous Flow Platforms

We report an automated strategy to conduct RAFT copolymerizations using a Chemspeed robotic platform capable of executing batch, incremental, and continuous monomer addition workflows under inert conditions. Copolymeriza-tions of oligo(ethylene glycol) acrylate with benzyl acrylate (as a control) and fluorescein o-acrylate were conducted in toluene, THF, and DMF, with reaction progress monitored via ¹H NMR spectroscopy at defined intervals. Solvent effects on comonomer solubility and reaction reproducibility were systematically evaluated, revealing that DMF of-fered the most consistent performance due to its high boiling point and enhanced solubility for both monomers, re-sulting in improved feed control and kinetic stability. Continuous flow reactions were further studied across multiple feed rates (0.3-1.0 mL/hr), illustrating tunable composition and potentially scalable synthesis of fluorescent copoly-mers. This automated workflow provides a robust platform for reproducible kinetic profiling, copolymer design, com-positional control, and material property profiling, enabling high-throughput polymerization strategies with minimal manual intervention.