Issue 5, 2017

Multi-step continuous-flow synthesis

Abstract

Organic chemistry is continually evolving to improve the syntheses of value added and bioactive compounds. Through this progression, a concomitant advancement in laboratory technology has occurred. Many researchers now choose to mediate transformations in continuous-flow systems given the many benefits over round bottom flasks. Furthermore, reaction scale up is often less problematic as this is addressed at the inception of the science. Although single-step transformations in continuous-flow systems are common, multi-step transformations are more valuable. In these systems, molecular complexity is accrued through sequential transformations to a mobile scaffold, much like an in vitro version of Nature's polyketide synthases. Utilizing this methodology, multi-step continuous-flow systems have improved the syntheses of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), natural products, and commodity chemicals. This Review details these advancements while highlighting the rapid progress, benefits, and diversification of this expanding field.

Graphical abstract: Multi-step continuous-flow synthesis

  • This article is part of the themed collection: Primer

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
21 Nov 2016
First published
20 Jan 2017
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017,46, 1250-1271

Multi-step continuous-flow synthesis

J. Britton and C. L. Raston, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, 46, 1250 DOI: 10.1039/C6CS00830E

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