Selenium
Retrosynthesis
Describe a target molecule and get ranked synthesis strategies — each broken into concrete steps with model confidence.
2 vs 5 steps to target
70% faster route design
AI-Powered Chemical Synthesis
AI that designs, optimizes, and runs chemical reactions.
Accelerating pharma R&D from years to months.
01 · From the lab
The ideas behind what we build
Launches, experiments, and lessons from building AI that can plan and run chemistry.
Agentic Synthesis: Making the molecules models want
Meet Selenium, b12's agentic retrosynthesis system for turning ambitious molecules into practical routes from purchasable starting materials.
Read the story
Palladium: the planning layer for chemical synthesis
We are announcing Palladium, b12's HTE-ready plate designer for turning proposed chemical transformations into grounded experimental plans.
Read the story
b12 labs at SLAS 2026
We brought our AI automation tools to SLAS 2026 in Boston, here's what we showed and what we learned.
Read the story02 · Planning
Design your synthesis, then optimize it
Two AI tools that take you from target molecule to optimized conditions.
Palladium
Condition Optimization
Pick a reaction and screen catalysts, ligands, bases, and solvents in a single plate. AI designs the layout so every well counts.
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B
C
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LIGAND
BrettPhos6
(tBu)PhCPhos4
tBuXPhos2
AlPhos2
RuPhos2
SPhos2
tBuBrettPhos2
P(tBu)₃2
Josiphos CyPFtBu2
BASE
NaOtBu11
LiHMDS11
Cs₂CO₃1
K₃PO₄1
SOLVENT
toluene8
CPME6
2-MeTHF6
1,4-dioxane4
99% yield on first plate
>80% conversion rate
03 · Automation
From plan to your lab
Use Cobalt to turn optimized conditions into automation-ready protocols for your instruments.
Run it in your lab
Translate optimized conditions into execution-ready protocols for Chemspeed, Opentrons, or other automation platforms, then run them in your own lab. No coding required.
Try Cobalt04 · Benefits
Made for your lab, powered by AI
Fast Learning Curve
Master lab automation in hours, not weeks.
Scale Experiments Easily
Run diverse workflows with the same equipment.
Reliable Results
Reduce errors and improve reproducibility.
Focus on Science
Agents handle the technicalities; you make the discovery.
05 · FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What kinds of molecules can Selenium plan?
Selenium is designed for complex molecules, including multi-step targets, novel scaffolds, and compounds with challenging selectivity requirements.
How do Selenium, Palladium, and Cobalt work together?
Selenium plans synthesis routes, Palladium designs condition-optimization experiments, and Cobalt translates approved methods into automation-ready workflows for your lab.
Can I use each product independently?
Yes. Selenium, Palladium, and Cobalt are available as software tools at app.b12-labs.com, so teams can start with the part of the workflow they need.
What lab instruments does Cobalt support?
Cobalt creates workflows for automation platforms including Chemspeed and Opentrons. Contact us to discuss support for your instrument stack.
Is coding required?
No. All three tools are designed so scientists can describe intent in natural language. The AI handles protocol generation, plate layout, and workflow structure.
How long does it take to get started?
You can start using the platform immediately at app.b12-labs.com and bring your own target molecules, reactions, and automation workflows.
Join pharma and biotech teams using AI for synthesis
Built by researchers from Roche, Chemspeed, Max Planck Institute, and EPFL