A Systems Approach towards an Intelligent and Self-Controlling Platform for Integrated Continuous Reaction Sequences

Performing reactions in flow can offer major advantages over batch methods. However, laboratory flow chemistry processes are currently often limited to single steps or short sequences due to the complexity involved with operating a multi‐step process. Using new modular components for downstream processing, coupled with control technologies, more advanced multi‐step flow sequences can be realized. These tools are applied to the synthesis of 2‐aminoadamantane‐2‐carboxylic acid. A system comprising three chemistry steps and three workup steps was developed, having sufficient autonomy and self‐regulation to be managed by a single operator. Smart control: A new conceptual framework for the integration of multiple flow chemistry operations and downstream processing methods is described. Real‐time data sharing between devices enables the construction of complex bench‐top machine‐assisted synthesis platforms. The concept is applied to the synthesis of 2‐aminoadamantane‐2‐carboxylic acid, incorporating three chemistry steps and three workup steps into a single system.