Uniqsis makes flow chemistry simple

Published: 10-Aug-2010

Offers FlowSyn systems that are compatible with broader range of chemistries

The FlowSyn continuous flow reactor from Uniqsis of Cambridge, UK gives chemists the freedom to choose a FlowSyn system with a flow path material best suited to their particular chemistry.

Flow chemistry in microreactors is said to have many advantages over batch processing, including better reproducibility and scalability, improved yields and fewer problems with unstable intermediates or exothermic reactions, and users can now choose a flow path in a configuration that is most chemically compatible with the type of chemistry to be performed.

A limitation of existing flow reactors is the use of PEEK components in the flow path, the company says. While acknowledging that this material is an excellent engineering polymer, Uniqsis says it has limited compatibility with concentrated mineral and organic acids and a very strong organic base. The company therefore fits specially modified high-pressure pumps that do not contain PEEK.

A wider range of chemistries is now possible and the company claims to be the only flow reactor supplier to offer such an extensive range of chemical compatibility. Reactions requiring strong acids such as nitric acid (nitrations) or powerful organometallic bases such as butyl lithium (metallations) are now routinely possible in flow chemistry.

For many scientists the standard FlowSyn (PEEK and PTFE flowpath) offers a practical combination of high-pressure capability and good chemical resistance.

In response to customer feedback Uniqsis has introduced models that are compatible with a broader range of chemistries.

For the broadest chemical resistance, particularly to concentrated mineral acids, FlowSyn PTFE benefits from a flow path made entirely from PTFE, however this configuration can only withstand moderate pressures.

Where high-pressure operation is required, FlowSyn Steel has a flowpath made from 316S stainless steel tubing. This configuration affords safe operation up to 100 bar (1400psi) and chemical compatibility with strong acids such as concentrated sulphuric acid and TFA.

Upon special request, Uniqsis can also offer a customised version (FlowSyn Hastelloy) where the flowpath is made from Hastelloy and offers the optimal combination of chemical resistance and high-pressure capability.

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