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Photoreactors are devices that are designed to maximise the exposure of a reaction mixture to light. Photons of the appropriate wavelength and energy can interact with molecules to break and form chemical bonds. Whilst high energy photons in the UV spectrum can be used stoichiometrically as reagents, more recently photocatalysts that are able to absorb light in the visible spectrum have gained popularity in enabling bond forming reactions that were either previously not possible or required a sequence of synthetic steps.
The ability to utilise visible light allows the use of high-powered LEDs as a light source. These are much more convenient, safer, and more efficient than conventional high-pressure discharge lamps. Nevertheless, in designing a photoreactor, adequate provision must be made not only for controlling the reaction temperature but also to ensure that the high-power LEDs have adequate cooling to remove heat generated at the backplates. A circulating liquid is most effective in this regard.
Uniqsis have designed both a batch and continuous flow reactor system based upon the same BOREALIS LED lamp unit. BOREALIS is a high-powered lamp (180W) that is available in a wide range of fixed wavelengths. Intensity can be adjusted (10-100%) using the associated ‘smart’ power supply. This also monitors the reaction temperature and the LED temperatures automatically cutting out if these overheat. BOREALIS is fitted with a safety interlock to prevent exposure to the intense monochromatic light from the LEDs.
SOLSTICE is a multi-position batch tube reactor comprising of 12 identical tube reactors positioned symmetrically around the BOREALIS. The tube temperatures can be regulated and the device fits conveniently onto a magnetic stirrer to ensure efficient vortex stirring of all reactors. The tubes are septum sealed to exclude oxygen and can be fitted with inserts that produce thin-films and facilitate light absorption. SOLSTICE is especially useful for screening of photocatalysts and the optimisation of photochemistry reaction conditions and may also be used for focused compound library generation.
BOREALIS FLOW is a continuous flow photoreactor that utilises the Uniqsis COLD COIL fitted with an internally wound 15ml coil reactor into which the BOREALIS LED lamp unit is inserted. The COLD COIL enables control of the reaction temperature and a temperature sensor embedded into the coil reactor provides an accurate reaction temperature readout.
SOLSTICE and BOREALIS FLOW provide a convenient system for performing laboratory scale photochemistry in both batch and continuous flow with efficient mixing and control of reactor temperatures. The matching ‘smart’ power supply enables reproducible control of light intensity and can be remotely controlled over standard interfaces.
Authored By:
Mark Ladlow*
Mark Ladlow is an internationally recognised flow chemistry specialist and Managing Director of Uniqsis Ltd. He may be contacted on [email protected]
About Uniqsis:
Uniqsis was founded in January 2007 and is an alliance between Asynt, the specialist supplier of organic synthesis apparatus, and Grant Instruments Ltd, the long-established scientific equipment manufacturer. Uniqsis is committed to developing innovative flow chemistry products for customers in both the research and biopharmaceutical sector. This commitment is exemplified by the FlowSyn range of fully integrated flow reactors, designed and manufactured by Uniqsis, and now the research tool of choice for many research chemists across the world.
