What is flow chemistry?

Flow chemistry, or continuous flow, is a technique that involves running chemical reactions in a continuously flowing stream where pumps move fluid into a reactor, and the fluids contact each other where tubes join. The combined components can react when mixing spontaneously or with heating.

Why is flow chemistry important?

Flow chemistry is a well-established technique for use at a large scale when manufacturing large quantities of a given material. 

Some advantages of performing reactions in continuous flow include:

  • Better control over reaction parameters
  • Faster reactions
  • Improved product quality and yield
  • Improved safety profiles
  • Process intensification
  • Sustainable chemical processes

What is the difference between batch and continuous flow?

Flow chemistry differs from conventional batch chemistry in several ways, including:

  • Flow of reagents: In continuous flow, reagents are pumped under pressure and flow continuously through the reactor.
  • Control of reaction time: Reaction time is determined by the time the reagents take to flow through the reactor.
  • Increased control over reaction parameters: This can enhance reactivity or enable new reactions. 

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