Centre for Continuous Flow Synthesis

Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
What the facility does

The Centre for Continuous Flow Synthesis makes it possible to convert batch processes into continuous flow processes to synthesize molecules of interest in a safe and efficient way.

Areas of expertise

Continuous flow chemistry is a revolutionary technique that facilitates organic molecule synthesis and analysis on both small and large scales. Although this technology is only gradually being accepted as the way of the future, it is an innovative, efficient and powerful approach for preparing molecules that traditionally involved multiple tedious and potentially dangerous steps. Unlike a conventional organic reaction, which is generally carried out in round-bottom flasks and batch reactors, continuous flow chemistry uses reactors made of tubes that enable chemicals to circulate continuously in solution throughout the reaction. Compared to conventional reactors, continuous flow reactors transfer heat and mass faster due to their compact dimensions and high surface-to-volume ratio. Reactions are therefore better controlled, creating a safer working environment. The use of continuous flow reactors also reduces reaction times and improves yields and selectivity. Therefore, continuous flow chemistry can be used to synthesize simple small-scale or industrial-scale target molecules as well as libraries of new molecules. This technology has been seriously evaluated by pharmaceutical and industrial R&D laboratories throughout the world for sustainable development, in particular because it offers numerous production advantages such as processes that are more efficient, safe, economical and environmentally friendly. The Centre for Continuous Flow Synthesis combines a variety of advanced continuous-flow instruments for the synthesis, purification and analysis of target molecules, all under the same roof. With the help of our highly skilled personnel, your batch processes can be converted into continuous flow streams, producing molecules of interest in a safe and effective way.

Research services

Synthesis, analysis, purification, green chemistry, catalysis, continuous flow

Sectors of application
  • Aerospace and satellites
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Automotive
  • Chemical industries
  • Consumer durables
  • Consumer non-durables
  • Defence and security industries
  • Education
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
  • Manufacturing and processing
Specialized labEquipment
 ThalesNano H-Cube hydrogenation reactor
 Voyager microwave stop-flow reactor
 Uniqsis continuous flow reactors with automation and gas insertion modules
 Vapourtec R1C, R2+ and R4 reactors equipped with cooling, automation and gas insertion modules
 Syrris high efficiency Asia pumps
 Zaiput advanced liquid-liquid and pressure separators
 Luzchem photoreactors for continuous flow reactions using ultraviolet ionizing radiation
 Customizable systems (with syringe pumps and various parts that can be combined and assembled by researchers) to mount unique and specialized devices for continuous flow processes
Regional Centre of NMR spectroscopyBruker ARX-400 NMR spectrometer for in situ microreactor reaction analysis and for batch sample analysis

Regional Mass Spectrometry Centre

 

Waters UPLC ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer to perform high-throughput analyses
 OmniCal ultra-low-temperature microcalorimeter for molecule safety assessments