Development of a multistep, electrochemical flow platform for automated catalyst screening

An integrated flow platform enables the electrochemical synthesis of base-metal catalysts with high-throughput screening and rapid data generation.

Electrosynthesis in Laminar Flow Using a Flow Microreactor

Electrosynthesis and microflow synthesis have become essential tools in their own rights in modern organic synthesis. In this personal account, we summarize our works on the integrated use of these techniques, i. e., electrosynthesis in a flow microreactor. Our group has developed an electrochemical microflow system composed of a pair of electrodes that face each other to form a micrometer-scale gap for the flow path, through which solution passes in laminar flow. By the aid of laminar flow, unprecedented chemo- and electrochemical selectivity has been observed, which is not achievable with conventional batch-type electrochemical cells. In addition, we showcase various unique electrochemical systems and reactions achieved with the flow microreactor, including self-supported electrolysis, efficient paired electrolysis, in situ generation of active species and its flash use, the spaciotemporal control of electropolymerization, and combinatorial screening of the reaction conditions.

Modern Electrochemical Aspects for the Synthesis of Value-Added Organic Products

The use of electricity instead of stoichiometric amounts of oxidizers or reducing agents in synthesis is very appealing for economic and ecological reasons, and represents a major driving force for research efforts in this area. To use electron transfer at the electrode for a successful transformation in organic synthesis, the intermediate radical (cation/anion) has to be stabilized. Its combination with other approaches in organic chemistry or concepts of contemporary synthesis allows the establishment of powerful synthetic methods. The aim in the 21st Century will be to use as little fossil carbon as possible and, for this reason, the use of renewable sources is becoming increasingly important. The direct conversion of renewables, which have previously mainly been incinerated, is of increasing interest. This Review surveys many of the recent seminal important developments which will determine the future of this dynamic emerging field.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to Flow Chemistry ∥

Flow chemistry involves the use of channels or tubing to conduct a reaction in a continuous stream rather than in a flask. Flow equipment provides chemists with unique control over reaction parameters enhancing reactivity or in some cases enabling new reactions. This relatively young technology has received a remarkable amount of attention in the past decade with many reports on what can be done in flow. Until recently, however, the question, "Should we do this in flow?" has merely been an afterthought. This review introduces readers to the basic principles and fundamentals of flow chemistry and critically discusses recent flow chemistry accounts.