Abstract
Recent developments regarding microreactors of which reaction volume is at μl order are reviewed from the viewpoint of system design for laboratory automation which is useful for process chemistry. Physical and chemical phenomena at μm level (size effects), structural elements, and fabrication methods concerning microreactors are summarized. Applied reaction examples classified into seven categories are also surveyed. The advantages of microreactors are (1) easy of rapid and precise control of temperature, which is helpful in obtaining of heat-unstable compounds, (2) high reaction rate, (3) high yield of reaction products (the author's hypothesis) and (4) easy of scale-up of reaction volume without complicated calculations in chemical engineering. The productivity of chemical compounds by microreactors is much enough for cost-effective fine chemicals. The importance of combination of computer-aided synthesis design and microreactors is also pointed out to swiftly validate the candidate reaction routes presented. In conclusion, microreactors have great potential for serving as a powerful tool for organic synthesis research.
