New! Flow Chemistry Teaching Method

At the turn of the 21st Century the use of flow reactors, and in particular micro reactors, began to emerge as a synthetic tool for the modern chemist, challenging the Centuries old technique of stirred batch vessels. With significant advantages demonstrated by researchers, it is imperative that this new technique be taught to students in order to increase awareness of the technology as they progress from an academic environment on to research and industrial positions.

With this in mind, it is the aim of this teaching method to provide basic training and experience in the use of continuous flow reactors for the optimisation of several common synthetic organic reactions using the Labtrix® Start micro reactor development apparatus; employing reaction conditions outside those conventionally applied (195 ºC @ 20 bar) in teaching laboratories. The small reactor volumes of Labtrix® Start (1-19.5 μl) mean that the system is well-suited to the academic environment, enabling changes in reaction time, temperature and stoichiometry to be made with ease.

Using the methods provided, the user will employ the Labtrix® Start reactor system to synthesise mg-quantities of the target compound, thus gaining experience in the manipulation, isolation and analysis of small quantities of substrates and products. Along with detailed experimental guidance, the course contains introductory information on flow reactors, background information and practical guidance on how to prepare solutions, perform the relevant calculations and model answers (Instructor only).