Duration
15h Th, 10h Pr, 1d Vis.
Number of credits
| Master in chemistry, research focus | 3 crédits | |||
| Master in chemistry, teaching focus (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription) | 3 crédits | |||
| Master in chemistry, professional focus | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
While batch chemistry has been used for centuries, increasing economic, environmental and safety pressures encourage chemists to rethink synthesis approaches. Flow chemistry, i.e. continuous processing in micro- and mesofluidic reactors, has emerged as a powerful alternative to batch reactors. It enables accurate reaction control, safer operations, access to non-conventional conditions, and the design of integrated multi-step processes.
This course is designed for Master and PhD students in chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as researchers and professionals in fine and pharmaceutical industries (R&D and manufacturing). Fundamental principles and advanced applications of flow chemistry will be presented and illustrated with recent literature and practical sessions.
The course is organized into five modules:
- Module 1. Definitions and concepts - batch vs flow, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, benefits and limitations.
- Module 2. Equipment - pumps, mixers, tubing, reactors, PAT, backpressure regulators.
- Module 3. Assembling a reactor - fittings, valves, instrumentation, sensors.
- Module 4. Calculations - residence time, flow rates, stoichiometry, gases, yields.
- Module 5. Applications in synthesis - photochemistry, electrochemistry, polymerization, encapsulation.
Tutorials sessions
Interactive tutorial sessions are integrated into modules 4 and 5. They focus on:
- basic calculations (flow rates, residence time, stoichiometry);
- design and analysis of flow setups;
- critical discussion of case studies from recent literature.
There are no practical sessions strictly speaking for course CHIM9265. However, students will take part in a laboratory visit during which several demonstrations will be organized. For reference, these demonstrations may include:
- assembling and testing a simple reactor;
- applied calculations (flow rates, residence time, stoichiometry);
- a simple continuous synthesis (e.g., nitration or oxidation);
- integrated systems: in-line quenching and in-line purification.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- compare batch and flow reactors and assess their benefits/limitations;
- design and assemble appropriate flow setups;
- perform key calculations (residence time, flow rates, stoichiometry);
- understand the principles of reaction engineering in micro/mesofluidic systems;
- optimize and troubleshoot multi-step processes;
- critically analyze literature and industrial applications.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Background in organic chemistry (Bachelor/Master level).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Tutorial sessions
Interactive tutorial sessions are integrated into the course, specifically in modules 4 and 5. They focus on basic calculations (flow rates, residence time, stoichiometry), the design and analysis of flow setups, and the critical discussion of case studies from recent literature.
Practical sessions
There are no practical sessions strictly speaking for course CHIM9265. However, students may take part in a laboratory visit during which several demonstrations will be organized. The visit will take place in rooms 3/18 and 3/34, on the third floor of the north wing of building B.6a. Participation is optional. For safety reasons, access to the laboratory is strictly limited to students wearing a laboratory coat (made of non-flammable fabric) and safety goggles. Wearing these items at all times is mandatory. Safety instructions will be provided prior to the visit.
No prior preparation is required.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Delivery of material in a lecture format (open discussion); Possibility of e-learning (online additional references and resources).
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège
Other site(s) used for course materials
- DOX (https://dox.uliege.be/index.php/s/gTHnCud5yi5wcvo)
Further information:
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège
Additional information:
The lecture notes (in English, with audio commentary) are available via the MyULiège and DoX platforms. Additional exercises, recommended readings, and supplementary video capsules are also accessible there.
The recommended reference books (not mandatory) are available at the Science and Technology Library or for consultation in the instructor's office.
- Flow Chemistry, Volumes 1 & 2, 2021 (Darvas et al.), Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110693676;
- Micro Reaction Technology in Organic Synthesis, Charlotte Wiles and Paul Watts, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2011 (ISBN: 978-1-4398-2471-9);
- Chemical Reactions and Processes under Flow Conditions, Santiago V. Luis and Eduardo Garcia-Verdugo, RSC Green Chemistry Series, 2009 (ISBN: 978-0-85404-192-3);
- Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer (6th Edition), Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, Theodore L. Bergman and Adrienne S. Lavine, John Wiley & Sons, 2007 (ISBN: 978-0-471-45728-2);
- Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications, Yunus A. Çengel and John M. Cimbala (2nd Edition), McGraw-Hill, 2010 (ISBN: 978-0-07-352926-4).
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Further information:
Format: Each student selects a recent article (from a list provided by the instructor or self-selected with prior approval) or a synthetic target.
Tasks:
- Summarize the main strategy or methodology.
- Explain how flow technology was applied, highlighting advantages and limitations.
- Propose possible improvements or alternative approaches.
Evaluation criteria: clarity of presentation, depth of understanding of flow chemistry principles, and ability to apply knowledge beyond the chosen article or case.
Work placement(s)
Nihil
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, course CHIM9265 will be organized every other year, only during even academic years (e.g. 2026-2027, 2028-2029, 2030-2031, etc.), in order to ensure optimal supervision.
Contacts
Course Instructor: Prof. Jean-Christophe M. Monbaliu
Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis - CiTOS
Department of Chemistry, Building B6a, Room 3/19
phone: 04 366 35 10
email: jc.monbaliu@uliege.be
Support staff: Dr. Diana Silva and Mrs. Elyse Macors
FloW4all Resource Center
Association of one or more MOOCs
Items online
Introduction to continuous flow organic synthesis
Introduction to continuous flow organic synthesis