Photochemistry in Flow

Chemical synthesis of organic molecules on a large production scale is mostly done by thermal activation, in a relatively small number of cases by electrochemistry. Other ways of activation are hardly used, even though they have the potential of facilitating elegant and sustainable synthetic routes that cannot be achieved otherwise. A prominent example of alternative activation is photochemistry, which is very hard to scale up to production scale in classical equipment with large diameters owing to the limited penetration depth of light.
Two recent technological developments provide the foundation for a much wider use of photochemistry on industrial scale:
- Flow chemistry - that is the continuous operation in tubular reactors or reactor cascades with relatively small dimensions on the order of < 10 cm - has seen significant progress over the past years and now features a rich selection of commercially available equipment, that besides pumps and separation units includes UV-transparent reactors.
- LED light sources can provide visible and UV-light of the required wave-length at great intensity and high efficiency. They are capable of overcoming many of the shortcomings of classical light sources like mercury lamps.
The objective of this project is to evaluate the applicability of the very promising marriage of photochemistry and flow technology at the example of a specific organic reaction. It will involve technical aspects of assembling a suitable reactor concept, which may include handling high pressures, and chemical aspects relating to the yield and selectivity of a reaction under consideration. Furthermore, it will build on results obtained in the framework of an ongoing master thesis. Last but not least, it will offer opportunities to interact with ongoing activities on reaction screening at Imperial College and photochemistry at BASF.

Academic impact:
Recent advances in data science and digital technology have a disruptive effect on the way synthetic chemistry is practiced. Competence in computing and data analysis has become increasingly important in preparing chemistry students for careers in industry and academic research.

The CDT cohort will receive interdisciplinary training in an excellent research environment, supported by state-of-the-art bespoke facilities, in areas that are currently under-represented in UK Chemistry graduate programmes. The CDT assembles a team of 74 Academics across several disciplines (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Maths and Computing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sciences), further supported by 16 industrial stakeholders, to deliver the interdisciplinary training necessary to transform synthetic chemistry into a data-centric science, including: the latest developments in lab automation, the use of new reaction platforms, greater incorporation of in-situ analytics to build an understanding of the fundamental reaction pathways, as well as scaling-up for manufacturing.

All of the research data generated by the CDT will be captured (by the use of a common Electronic Lab Notebook) and made openly accessible after an embargo period. Over time, this will provide a valuable resource for the future development of synthetic chemistry.

Industrial and Economic Impact:
Synthetic chemistry is a critical scientific discipline that underpins the UK's manufacturing industry. The Chemicals and Pharmaceutical industries are projected to generate a demand for up to 77,000 graduate recruits between 2015-2025. As the manufacturing industry becomes more digitised (Industry 4.0), training needs to evolve to deliver a new generation of highly-skilled workers to protect the manufacturing sector in the UK. By expanding the traditional skill sets of a synthetic chemist, we will produce highly-qualified personnel who are more resilient to future challenges. This CDT will produce synthetic chemists with skills in automation and data-management skills that are highly prized by employers, which will maintain the UK's world-leading expertise and competitiveness and encourage inward investment.

This CDT will improve the job-readiness of our graduate students, by embedding industrial partners in our training programme, including the delivery of training material, lecture courses, case studies, and offers of industrial placements. Students will be able to exercise their broadened fundamental knowledge to a wide range of applied and industrial problems and enhance their job prospects.

Societal:
The World's population was estimated to be 7.4 billion in August 2016; the UN estimated that it will further increase to 11.2 billion in the year 2100. This population growth will inevitably place pressure on the world's finite natural resources. Novel molecules with improved effectiveness and safety will supersede current pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals used in the fabrication of new materials.

Recent news highlights the need for certain materials (such as plastics) to be manufactured and recycled in a sustainable manner, and yet their commercial viability of next-generation manufacturing processes will depend on their cost-effectiveness and the speed which they can be developed. The CDT graduates will act as ambassadors of the chemical science, engaging directly with the Learned Societies, local council, general public (including educational activities), as well as politicians and policymakers, to champion the importance of the chemical science in solving global challenges.