A Flow-Microreactor Approach to Organolithium Reactions

Chemical synthesis in microreactors has received significant research interests both from academia and industry. Herein we report that organolithium reactions that are difficult to be done in batch can be achieved in flow microreactors. Characteristic features of flow microreactors such as precise residence time control are responsible for the control of unstable organolithiums. Protecting-group free synthesis and stereoselective synthesis using unstable organolithiums using flow microreactors serve as powerful tools in organic synthesis. Integration of such organolithium reactions also enhances the power and speed of organic synthesis and polymer synthesis.