Grignard exchange reaction using a microflow system: From bench to pilot plant

The Grignard exchange reaction of ethylmagnesium bromide (EtMgBr) and bromopentafluorobenzene (BPFB) to give pentafluorophenylmagnesium bromide (PFPMgBr) was carried out using small- and medium-scale microflow systems consisting of a micromixer and a microheat exchanger. The results indicate that the microflow systems are quite effective. On the basis of the data obtained, a pilot that involves the Toray Hi-mixer connected to a shell and tube microheat exchanger was constructed. Continuous operation for 24 h was accomplished without any problem to obtain pentafluorobenzene (PFB) after protonation (92% yield).