Membrane-based TBADT recovery as a strategy to increase the sustainability of continuous-flow photocatalytic HAT transformations
- Zhenghui Wena
- Diego Pintossia
- Manuel Nuñob
- Timothy Noëla
- aFlow Chemistry Group, Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- bVapourtec Ltd., Park Farm Business Centre, Fornham St Genevieve, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6TS, UK
Read the publication that featured this abstractPhotocatalytic hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes have been the object of numerous studies showcasing the potential of the homogeneous photocatalyst tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT) for the functionalization of C(sp3)–H bonds. However, to translate these studies into large-scale industrial processes, careful considerations of catalyst loading, cost, and removal are required. This work presents organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) as an answer to reduce TBADT consumption, increase its turnover number and lower its concentration in the product solution, thus enabling large-scale photocatalytic HAT-based transformations. The operating parameters for a suitable membrane for TBADT recovery in acetonitrile were optimized. Continuous photocatalytic C(sp3)-H alkylation and amination reactions were carried out with in-line TBADT recovery via two OSN steps. Promisingly, the observed product yields for the reactions with in-line catalyst recycling are comparable to those of reactions performed with pristine TBADT, therefore highlighting that not only catalyst recovery (>99%, TON > 8400) is a possibility, but also that it does not happen at the expense of reaction performance.
Get in touch
For more information on flow chemistry systems and services please use the contact methods below.
Call us on +44 (0)1284 728659 or Email us
Resource Centre
R-Series

The Vapourtec R-Series is, quite simply, unrivalled for flow chemistry
- Flexible |
- Precise |
- Automatable
The R-Series is undoubtedly the most versatile, modular flow chemistry system available today.
E-Series

The Vapourtec E-Series is the perfect introductory system for flow chemistry
- Robust |
- Easy to use |
- Affordable
The E-Series is a robust and affordable, entry level flow chemistry system designed for reliability and ease of use.