(58f) Flow Chemistry As an Enabling, Green Technology in Merck Process

Herein we describe the use of flow chemistry in the development of a green reaction. Previous versions of the synthetic route had many chemical steps resulting in low yield and process mass intensity. A new flow process was developed that telescoped several steps into one reaction while utilizing cheap, green precursors. Performing the reaction in continuous flow minimized process risk and transfer unit operations while eliminating the need for in-process monitoring and engineering controls to suppress impurity formation. Data rich experimentation led to quick optimization of the flow reaction conditions within one month. This flow process was then successfully scaled and demonstrated at kilo and pilot plant scale.