Applying Flow Chemistry: Methods, Materials, and Multistep Synthesis

TLDR

The synthesis of complex molecules requires precise control over both chemical reactivity and reaction conditions, and recent advances such as automated synthesizers and flow reactors have accelerated method development. The synopsis aims to illustrate how flow reactors have enabled advances in single‑stage reactions, materials synthesis, and multistep reactions. The authors detail lessons learned from using flow reactors and propose future directions for further development.

Abstract

The synthesis of complex molecules requires control over both chemical reactivity and reaction conditions. While reactivity drives the majority of chemical discovery, advances in reaction condition control have accelerated method development/discovery. Recent tools include automated synthesizers and flow reactors. In this Synopsis, we describe how flow reactors have enabled chemical advances in our groups in the areas of single-stage reactions, materials synthesis, and multistep reactions. In each section, we detail the lessons learned and propose future directions.