Why flow chemistry ?

During decades, the paradigm for molecular synthesis was based on progressive processes, from laboratory to industrial scale, and was dominant in both academia and industry. Even though macroscopic batch reactors have proven their efficiency to answer an always growing demand for high added value chemicals in a low constraints environment, they are also associated with inherent weaknesses and bolting risks. 2020's crisis have shown that a change of paradigm was necessary to sustain chemicals production with enhanced safety, reliable supply chains and adaptable productivities.

More than a decade of technological research and development has enabled development of alternative and efficient chemical processes in miniaturised continuous flow reactors (micro- and milli/meso-fluidic reactors). These reactors might resolve reactivity and safety issues and enhance liability of chemicals supply chains, while widening horizons for new reactivity at lowest spatiotemporal scale.