We utilize flow reactors to run processes continuously, compared to the traditional batch mode operation. Typically, two or more streams of fluids are metered via pumps into the tube reactor and reaction happens during when the fluids are mixed in the tube. Upon completion of the reaction, the final product stream including byproducts is transferred to downstream for additional processing and workup. The advantages include faster and safer reactions, cleaner products and easier for scale-up.

Our downstream equipment can run in continuous mode which handles extraction, distillation, filtration and drying of the intermediates or final product. These reactors are available at small scale in our R&D lab and large scale in our manufacturing plant.

Through many years of continuous follow-up and self-research of the new technologies in new drug synthesis, combined with the latest technical concepts of new drug synthesis of big pharma companies, we have mastered flow chemistry technology and applied it to the manufacturing process of oxidation reaction, selective lithiation, etc. A couple of cases are as follows:

• Oxidation of amino groups: The oxidation of amino groups to nitro groups often requires strong oxidants and takes place under drastic conditions (high temperature, high concentration, strong acids). These conditions carry some risks when scaled up. We have transferred this reaction to a microtubular reactor, which reduced the production safety risks and increased the yield of the reaction.
• Selective lithiation: In a microtubular reactor, the contact time between substrate and reagent can be controlled to a very short time to achieve a controlled reaction result. We have successfully obtained selective control of the lithiation position and thus selective methylation by adjusting the contact time between a dibromide and butyllithium.