High-temperature chemistry

Explore ThalesNano's solutions for high-temperature reactions

In the field of chemistry, precise control over temperature is a critical factor in achieving the necessary activation energy for successful reactions. Traditionally, chemists have faced limitations in reaching high temperatures using batch equipment, typically capping at 250-280°C within a safe operating range. As a result, numerous reactions requiring elevated temperatures have remained inaccessible or required extended reaction times to accomplish desired conversions or yields.

At ThalesNano, we recognized this challenge and set out to develop an innovative solution. We have introduced the Phoenix flow reactor, our high-temperature reactor designed specifically for the demands of modern chemistry. By harnessing the power of flow chemistry methods, the reactor enables precise control of temperature up to 450 °C, allowing chemists to reach and surpass the conventional temperature barrier. With the Phoenix flow reactor, chemists can now explore reactions that demand higher temperatures to activate the desired chemical transformations. Leveraging the fundamental principle described by the Arrhenius equation, where a mere 10 °C rise in temperature doubles reaction rates, our reactor empowers researchers to achieve optimal outcomes with enhanced efficiency and control.

Heterocycles play a pivotal role in both nature and chemical synthesis, making them highly significant in various fields. In the realm of nature, nitrogen-, oxygen-, and sulfur-containing heterocyclic molecules can be found abundantly in all living organisms. These molecules often exhibit specific biological effects, distinctive aromas, or vibrant colors, capturing the attention of the modern chemical industry, particularly pharmaceutical companies, which strive to produce these materials.

To produce novel heterocycles, there are two primary approaches. The first involves leveraging nature itself by extracting pre-existing heterocycles from plants and animals. The second method involves total synthesis, wherein these molecules are constructed from small organic or inorganic components. ThalesNano is dedicated to assisting chemists in pushing beyond the chemical space accessible through conventional batch methods, facilitating the synthesis of new compounds.

The synthesis of heterocycles dates back to the early 1800s, and today, numerous well-established pathways exist for the production of common heterocyclic compounds. Many of these reactions necessitate elevated temperatures, catalysis, and the addition of acids or bases to yield the desired products. However, performing these reactions using traditional batch methods can be hazardous, and the reaction scale often relies heavily on the volume of the reaction vessel.

ThalesNano's advanced reactors provide a solution by enabling these reactions to be conducted in a continuous manner, ensuring precise control over pressure, temperature, and residence time within a safe environment.

Substitution reactions have long been employed in organic chemistry as effective means for introducing or replacing functional groups in aromatic or aliphatic organic molecules. Depending on the behavior of the leaving group, these reactions can be carried out in either a catalytic or non-catalytic environment. Substitution reactions offer valuable pathways for creating new molecules and even entire libraries of diverse structures.

The production rate of continuous flow reactions relies on the catalyst's longevity when performed under catalytic conditions. In the absence of catalysis, productivity is determined solely by the reaction time. As a result, continuous flow solutions for substitution reactions present compelling advantages, particularly for industrial applications.

ThalesNano recognizes the potential of high-temperature substitution reactions and has developed dedicated continuous flow systems to address these challenges. Our advanced reactors provide precise temperature control, allowing chemists to explore a wide range of substitution reactions at elevated temperatures, thereby expanding the scope of accessible chemical space.