In recent years, global research activities have clearly demonstrated that the application of micro-structured reactors, mixers and other microprocessing elements with dimensions in the sub-millimetre or sub-millilitre range, offers numerous advantages. Compared with conventional synthesis processes, microreactors offer a significant increase in heat and mass transport, together with precise, continuous process control, which leads to substantial improvements in terms of efficiency, selectivity, product quality and safety. Furthermore, microreaction technology paves the way towards new synthetic products and process methodologies.
