The Grignard reaction is a very useful organic transformation, as it effectively provides a carbanion synthon by treatment of the corresponding halide with magnesium metal. Alternatively, a variety of Grignard reagents is available as commercial solutions. In batch, Grignard reactions have to be conducted at strict anhydrous conditions under an inert atmosphere, as the reagent is very sensitive to atmospheric moisture. Continuous flow solves this issue, as the total system is inherently free of air.

Grignard reaction on model substrate

To avoid the use of inert gasses and dosing equipment while keeping a high throughput at the same time, FutureChemistry has translated this reaction from a batch process to a continuous flow process. FutureChemistry’s typical three-tier approach led to a protocol which can be adapted to any viable substrate:

      1) Translation of batch process to continuous flow process:
           a) Stock solutions approach, yielding a homogeneous reaction mixture.
           b) Quenching solution to follow the reaction in time.
           c) Flow markers approach to accurately assess reaction parameters.
      2) Automated reaction optimisation.
      2) Automated reaction optimisation.
      3) Out scaling to preparative synthesis

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