Abstract

When micro reactor technology was first introduced it was seen as being a research and development tool suitable for small scale production.  However the most topical examples discussed in the literature include the Ritter reaction performed on an industrial scale by DSM (Austria) which has to date generated over 4000 tonnes of product and the synthesis of nitroglycerine in China.  The key driver in these examples being safety, where the excellent mixing and heat transfer characteristics of micro structured reactors enables these highly exothermic reactions to be safely performed.

Nevertheless there is now a plethora of commercial reactors on the market, which means that most companies are investigating this technology to rapidly screen reactions utilising continuous flow, leading to the identification of reaction conditions that are suitable for use at a production level.  Furthermore the inherent safety associated with the use of small reactor volumes enables users to employ reaction conditions previously thought to be too hazardous for use within a production environment; such as extreme reaction conditions or the use of hazardous compounds.  Consequently, the types of reactions available to the R&D chemist increases through the use of this technology.  It is this system flexibility that has the potential to reduce both the time taken and risk associated with transferring reaction methodology from research to production.  A review of the technology will be outlined.