Highlights from the Flow Chemistry Literature 2014 (Part 1)

Abstract

In this section of the journal, the continuous-flow chemistry literature of the preceding months is presented. Included are articles published in the period October-December 2013 and January-March 2014. Some key examples are highlighted in the form of graphical abstracts. The remaining publications in the field are then listed ordered by journal name, with review articles grouped at the end. An efficient continuous-flow approach towards the synthesis of dipeptides has been accomplished. Various amino acids can be rapidly converted into highly reactive species via reaction with inexpensive triphosgene. Following in situ reaction with a second amino acid affords the corresponding dipeptide (5 s total reaction time). High yields and low rates of epimerization (≤3 %) were achieved. The reaction proceeds at room temperature, and the side products are only CO 2 and an HCl salt of the used organic base.