My research field is development of new methodologies. In order to discover new reactions, there are two possible technics such as batch reaction and flow chemistry. And both have different features and advantages. So it’s really important to know when, how we use which type of technics to develop new methods. If we use these both technics in the proper way, we could develop new methodology more efficiently for natural product synthesis and discovery of new drug candidates. Based on these applications, eventually, it could contribute to the pharmaceutical industry.
Flow chemistry is the process of performing chemical reactions in a tube or pipe. Reactive components are pumped together at a mixing junction and flowed down a temperature controlled pipe or tube. And product and waste are collected manually or automatically after the completion of reactions. This flow chemistry has several advantages over batch reactions. Higher mass balance using microreactor enables increased reactivity and selectivity and decreased side products. Also, flow chemistry is a safer way to set up for exothermic and explosive reactions. Furthermore, it allows easy and predictable scale-up. However, clogging of reactor due to precipitate formation could be problematic.
In order to discover more efficient and useful methodologies, it’s necessary to understand features of both batch reactions and flow process. Batch reactor should be used for precipitate forming reaction due to the clogging of reactors.
In the case of flow chemistry, there are several typical reactions. First of all, multi-phase reaction is suitable because there is no head space in microtubing, resulting in increased mass transfer between gas and liquid phase. Furthermore, photochemistry is one of best reactions in flow process due to increased photon concentration though increased surface area and decreased path length of reaction vessel using microreactor. Also, the flow process allows safer and easier way to control temperature using microreactor for explosive reactions. Eventually, semi-automated drug compounds synthesis would be developed through combination of multi-reactions. And the development of this automated system is a final goal of my research group.