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Summary

A UK company has developed a continuous flow reactor for seamless reaction optimisation, synthesis and scale up. Already on the market the modular system offers improved mixing and heat transfer and enables reactions to be carried out at up to 260°C and pressures up to 1000 psi. Advantages include efficiency, higher yields, increased reaction selectivity, space savings, safety and future proofing at a sensible price. The company is seeking research and laboratory partners.

Full description

Continuous flow chemistry is an emerging technology for drug discovery that has broad applicability in reaction optimisation and scale up. For example the potential to scale up continuous flow chemistries from mgs to the 100 of grams required to assess safety in man, without the need to modify the synthetic route can save both time and money. In comparison to conventional batch processes key advantages include:
" improved mixing & heat transfer (which leads to excellent reproducibility)
" easier scale-up, with less re-optimisation
" less problems with unstable intermediates or highly exothermic reactions

It is also easier to add additional features such as on-line analysis and pressurization. However current commercial systems are very expensive and the lack of single commercially available instruments has previously hindered progress in this area.

The new fully integrated benchtop continuous flow reactor has been specifically designed to make flow chemistry available to all  and at a sensible price. Already on the market the system provides synthetic and process chemists with the required choice of functionality in an integrated, rational system. It enables seamless reaction optimisation, synthesis and scale up from milligrams to hundreds of grams. Designed by a team of experienced flow chemists and engineers the modular system can easily be upgraded as the chemists knowledge and needs grow.

Innovative Aspects

Reactions can be carried out at up to 260°C and pressures up to 1000 psi to mimic microwave reactions without scale up issues. Other important features include:
" Space Saving  Compact footprint fits easily into fume cupboard
" Safety  Pressurised parts are protected and isolated. An active pressure monitoring system is standard
" Time Saving  Short set up & reaction times
" Faster reactions - Solvent can be superheated to 260°C
" Efficiency  unattended operation. System equilibrates, runs reaction & cleans automatically
" Future-proof  optional modules compatible with the base system available

The main benefits over batch methods include higher yields, increased reaction selectivity, improved control of exothermic reactions, excellent reproducibility and faster reaction optimisation.

Partner expertise sought:

The UK Company is looking for synthetic and process chemical laboratories and research institutes with continuous flow synthesis needs (e.g. pharmaceutical, biotech, chemicals  process development & production - & materials).

The UK Company will provide ongoing technical support, training and software upgrades etc. Because it is a new technique they believe ongoing information exchange will be a key element of any collaboration.