Flow Chemistry
Flow chemistry is a technology to execute a chemical process in a continuous flowing stream. It is also known as continuous flow chemistry, plug flow, and microchemistry. Reagents are pumped into the process via tubes to create materials or substances through exothermic or endothermic reactions. It employs flow reactors for this purpose. This technology can handle extreme temperatures and pressures.
Benefits include safer and faster reactions, cleaner products, easy scale-up, and integrated synthesis. It is a sustainable technology which does not waste excessive resources. The scale-up of this process is effortless, allowing gaseous reactants to dissolve into the flow. It can also utilize continuous flow reactors to speed up the process, proving to be very cost-effective.
Latest Trends
Continuous flow chemistry can be used in manufacturing biologically active agents and active pharmaceutical ingredients. It can be used in conjunction with other technologies such as 3D printing, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and microwave irradiation.
Recently, scientists at the University of Durham discovered a way to produce Isobutylphenylpropionic acid or ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat inflammation and pain. Future research is being conducted in order to automate the process.
The large-scale adoption of this process by pharmaceuticals can be cost-effective for them. It has been adopted by fine chemical companies in Europe like Dottikon ES. The Ley Group recently managed to produce biologically active agents such as Tamoxifen, Fanetizole, and Gleevec (Imatinib). All of the mentioned are components in cancer drugs.
Market Outlook
The worldwide flow chemistry market is anticipated to touch USD 2.4 billion by 2025, according to Grand View Research, Inc. It stood at USD 937 million in 2015. It is expected to expand over the forecast period (2014 - 2025) owing to its high usage in the pharmaceutical industry. This technology provides safety to gas-based reactions in laboratories, bolstering global market growth.
Microreactors are expected to grow at a CAGR above 20% from 2016 to 2025. It is expected high demand over the next nine years due to its small size and easy handling properties. Pharmaceutical application is expected a high growth rate due to its flexibility in choice of solvents and temperature & pressure conditions. North America held nearly 30% revenue shares in 2015 due to technological advances and established chemical infrastructure in the region. Key players in the global market are ThalesNano, Future Chemistry Holding BV, Syrris Ltd., and Chemtrix BV.
