Extending practical flow chemistry into the undergraduate curriculum via the use of a portable low-cost 3D printed continuous flow system

Abstract

Continuous flow chemistry is undergoing rapid growth and adoption within the pharmaceutical industry due to its ability to rapidly translate chemical discoveries from medicinal chemistry laboratories into process laboratories. Its growing significance means that it is imperative that flow chemistry is taught and experienced by both undergraduate and postgraduate synthetic chemists. However, whilst flow chemistry has been incorporated by industry, there remains a distinct lack of practical training and knowledge at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A key challenge associated with its implementation is the high cost (>$25,000) of the system’s themselves, which is far beyond the financial reach of most universities and research groups, meaning that this key technology remains open to only a few groups and that its associated training remains a theoretical rather than a practical subject. In order to increase access to flow chemistry, we sought to design and develop a small-footprint, low-cost and portable continuous flow system that could be used to teach flow chemistry, but that could also be used by research groups looking to transition to continuous flow chemistry. A key element of its utility focusses on its 3D printed nature, as low-cost reactors could be readily incorporated and modified to suit differing needs and educational requirements. In this paper, we demonstrate the system’s flexibility using reactors and mixing chips designed and 3D printed by an undergraduate project student (N.T.) and show how the flexibility of the system allows the investigation of differing flow paths on the same continuous flow system in parallel.Graphical abstract