Flow Chemistry

One specific area of our research is flow chemistry. This involves replacing the reaction system used in the classic batch process with pumps, tubes and microreactors. The principle behind this continuous process is very simple: substrates are continuously fed into a flow system by means of pumps, where they are mixed with the reagents and then reacted in a microreactor. Since only very small volumes react with each other at any given time, safety for the user is significantly higher, especially when handling highly reactive species. Another advantage of flow chemistry is the easily accessible control of the reaction parameters. Temperature, flow rate and pressure can be adjusted quickly and precisely, achieving a high degree of process control. In addition, several reactions can be connected in series. This eliminates the need for purification of the intermediate stages, as intermediate compounds are not isolated but are immediately transferred to the next reaction.

Reactions in flow can be quickly optimised and expanded, as influencing factors such as solvents and temperature can be varied automatically and systematically. In this way, complete molecular frameworks can be synthesised and specifically derivatised by simply exchanging the starting materials.