NEW DIRECTIONS IN FLOW ELECTROSYNTHESIS

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Chemists have the exceptional ability to make novel compounds and materials yet, the tools of synthetic methodology must be continuously expanded and improved for the sustainable production of chemicals to meet increasing demands from industry. Industry, in turn, must satisfy the needs from society as novel or improved medicines, materials and environmentally benign processes will increase the quality of life in many aspects. Therefore, the development of novel reagents and processes with significantly superior environmental and industry-relevant credentials over existing methods will enhance the contribution of organic chemistry to science and its impact on society. We propose novel approaches to employ flow electrochemistry in biphasic organic synthesis. We will enhance mixing capabilities which will allow the generation and use of unstable short-lived intermediates in synthesis. Previously impossible reactions could now become feasible by exploiting the synthetic potential of flow microreactors in electrochemistry. Methods requiring stoichiometric amounts of reagents are replaced by sustainable sequences using exclusively electricity. Fast analysis of flow reactions through direct coupling will lead to fast (and computer-led) decisions for optimising complete processes.Our research program will contribute to improved sustainability by establishing a general protocol for flexible syntheses of new compounds. The EPSRC has acknowledged the importance of higher sustainability in chemistry by introducing a series of 'grand challenges' including Dial-a-Molecule (100% efficient synthesis) to which our program is making a contribution.