Special Issue: Flow Chemistry

Abstract

Flow chemistry represents a powerful platform technology for the discovery of novel transformations, the optimization of old and new synthetic transformations, the development of readily scalable processes, and the smooth transition of pilot plant reactions to industrial manufacturing. Its major advantages include efficient mixing, rapid heat transfer, enhanced reaction rates, shorter reaction time, higher yield, larger material throughput, more precise analytical control, and a greater safety margin, among several others. Scope and scientific progress in the field of flow chemistry have blossomed since the late 1990s, and innovative uses of flow techniques have demonstrated opportunities for handling reactive intermediates, incorporation of light-initiated reactions, and formation of designer materials. These advantages notwithstanding, the transition of flow techniques into the main-stream synthetic laboratory may be slowed by its requirement for specialized equipment and the plumbing problems frequently encountered with poorly soluble organic reaction components. However, the wide range of benefits and modern applications that are continuing to emerge in the scientific and patent literature speak to its great utility to many fields of interest in Chemistry. In this special issue, a collection of research and review articles from some of the most prominent and creative groups is presented. Reviews and current research papers, from prominent players in their respective fields, cover subjects such as photoflow chemistry (by Elaine M. Schuster and Peter Wipf), photoredox catalysis (by Corey R. J. Stephenson, Zachary Garlets and John Nguyen), immobilized chiral organocatalysts (by Riccardo Porta, Maurizio Benaglia, Valerio Chiroli, Francesca Coccia and Alessandra Puglisi), transition-metal catalyzed couplings (by Claudio Battilocchio, Benjamin N. Bhawal, Rajeev Chorghade, Benjamin J. Deadman, Joel M. Hawkins and Steven V. Ley), and self-optimizing reactor systems (by David C. Fabry, Erli Sugiono and Magnus Rueping). These articles showcase the diversity and state-of-the-art of flow chemistry and its implications for future developments. 1 1 Elaine M. Schuster Peter Wipf Weizmann Institute of Science University of Pittsburgh