3D-printed PEEK reactors and development of a complete continuous flow system for chemical synthesis

The possibility of 3D printing high temperature and chemically resistant polymers creates opportunities for applications in flow chemistry. Herein we describe the development of milli- and microfluidic reactors made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) with a high temperature 3D printer and examine their mixing performance and suitability for flow reactions at elevated temperatures. Additionally, we present a 3D-printed separator, back pressure regulator and continuous syringe pump, which provide a complete flow system for a fraction of the cost of commercially available flow equipment. Different 3D printed mixing geometries were tested and the influence of mixing on fluorination of a ribose derivative was evaluated. To demonstrate the usability of our self-made flow equipment we performed a multistep reaction of a ribose derivative in excellent yield which could be used as a precursor for the synthesis of nucleoside anti-cancer drugs.