Abstract

Microfluidic Systems based on Multi-phase Designer Solvents with Aim to Automate Purification and Recycling Reactants

Volker Hessel, Professor, The University of Adelaide

Novel Process Windows with their unusual, typically harsh process conditions have enlarged the processing portfolio. Recently, we have developed a biomimetic processing concept that aims to develop flexible compartments for integrated reactions in a way as organelles (vacuoles) in a cell do. The compartments are formed by self-organising media by multi-phase designer solvents. In this way, cascade reactions may be run automatically in just one reactor (ONE-FLOW), which is compartmented to the complexity needed.

The presentation will show (1) the use of solubility modelling for finding the best solvents out of a myriad of choices, (2) the performance/opportunity and problems at a model reaction with organocatalyst, (3) the performance/opportunity and problems at a model reaction with enzyme catalyst, (4) a life cycle assessment for an industrial process (3-step ibuprofen) under favourable assumptions and tailored to the idea, (5) a life cycle assessment for an industrial process (1-step or 2-step rufinamide) under reported industrial conditions and not ideally tailored to the idea,  and (6) a comparison of all classes of designer solvent per life cycle assessment impact category; the latter comprises ionic liquids, scCO₂, fluorous solvents, thermomorphic solvents, and deep eutectic solvents.