Synthetic methodologies are increasingly migrating from the traditional batch approach to continuous flow. The latter, when combined with real-time reaction monitoring, enables responsive optimisation of conditions including pressure, temperature, illumination (for photochemistry) and flow rate. Reactions carried out in flow may be readily scaled and solvents recycled, critical in the age of sustainability. At Heriot-Watt, we operate the Continuum Laboratory, dedicated to the exploitation of flow chemistry. Here, we can execute and monitor reactions in flow, including the use of the following monitoring techniques; benchtop NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis and mass spectrometry. We also have the capability for continuous separation of reaction products, completing a total flow toolkit.

Synthetic Capability – Vapourtec Automated Flow System for homo/heterogeneous synthesis, Photochemical Reactor, Vortex Fluidic Device. ElveFlow system for microdroplet generation and synthesis of polymeric particles. 

Real Time Monitoring Capabilities: Oxford Instruments 60 MHz Benchtop NMR with flow-cell. Two UV/Vis modules and multiple Calorimeters. Shimadzu HPLC/GPC system.

In-line flash chromatography purification: Interchim Flash Chromatography System (Puriflash 5.250).