PHOTOFLOW · Synthesis of trifluoromethylstyrene compounds via gas-liquid photoredox catalysis in continuous-flow microreactors

In this Marie Curie proposal, trifluoromethylstyrene compounds will be prepared via gas-liquid two-phase photoredox catalysis in a continuous-flow microfluidic system. Different influencing factors such as catalysts, substrates, solvents, light irradiation, temperature, and residence time will be systematically investigated. In order to thoroughly understand the reaction mechanisms of gas-liquid photoredox catalysis for synthesis of trifluoromethylstyrene compounds, we will study its reaction kinetics via Taylor flow in the same microreactor system. The mass transfer limitation as well as the mechanism of distance-to-time transformation in microfluidic Taylor flow will be studied in order to obtain the intrinsic kinetic data. The reaction rate constants will be measured at different reaction temperatures, and the reaction activity energy will be calculated according to the Arrhenius equation. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters for different substrates such as electron–poor and –rich arylamines will be measured and compared, and possible mechanisms for the photoredox catalytic synthesis of trifluoromethylstyrene compounds will be proposed. Through this Marie Curie project, we will establish a complete strategy for producing trifluoromethylstyrene compounds via gas-liquid photoredox catalysis in a microfluidic system and develop the means to study the reaction kinetics of gas-liquid photoredox catalysis by microfluidic Taylor flow.During this fellowship, the applicant will aim to enhance his competencies needed to reach the level of a mature researcher, and to establish a wide network with excellent experts in academia and industry. Becoming an internationally recognized researcher in the fields of microreactor technology, flow chemistry and process intensification is the primary career objective of the applicant for this Marie Curie project.