Going with the μFlow: Reinterpreting Energy Input in Organic Synthesis

The popularity of microflow chemistry has skyrocketed in the last 20 years and more and more chemists are switching from macro-batch reactors to miniaturized flow devices. As a result, microfluidics is paving its way into the future by consolidating its position in organic chemistry not only as a trend but as a new, effective, and sustainable way of conducting chemistry, that clearly will continue to grow and evolve. This perspective high-lights the most relevant examples of innovative enhancing technologies applied to microflow reactors aimed to improve and intensify chemical processes. The extensive applicability of microflow chemistry is further illustrated by briefly discussing examples of complex integrated microsystems and scale-up technologies, demonstrating that microflow has the to become the ideal for the future.

Automated summary

The popularity of microflow chemistry has significantly increased in the last 20 years, leading to a transition from macro-batch reactors to miniaturized flow devices among chemists. Microfluidics has established itself as not just a trend but a new, effective, and sustainable way of conducting chemistry in the field of organic chemistry, with continuous growth and evolution expected. This perspective highlights the use of innovative enhancing technologies applied to microflow reactors, as well as examples of complex integrated microsystems and scale-up technologies, showcasing microflow as a promising choice for the future.