Photochemical cycloaddition is a core technology for constructing pharmaceutical and fine chemical intermediates such as cyclobutanes and heterocycles. However, conventional batch reactors have long been constrained by three major challenges:
• Uneven irradiation and extensive dark zones → low conversion and increased side reactions
• Inefficient heat transfer and localized overheating → safety risks and unstable selectivity
• Excellent lab-scale results but poor scale-up performance → difficult process commercialization and limited production capacity
To address these engineering challenges, Beijing Perfectlight has launched a continuous-flow photocycloaddition reaction system. By leveraging continuous-flow technology, the system overcomes the optical path-length and heat-transfer limitations of conventional batch reactors, providing a standardized solution for reliable and scalable process development.
The system is specifically designed for photochemical cycloaddition reactions, including [2+2] cycloadditions. It integrates uniform irradiation, enhanced mixing, intelligent temperature control, and comprehensive safety interlocks.
Photochemical synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients;
Cycloaddition processes for fine chemicals and advanced materials;
Laboratory-scale development, pilot-scale testing, and process scale-up;
Homogeneous and multiphase photochemical reactions, including gas–liquid systems.
The system enables precise control of reaction conditions, high reproducibility, and reliable process scale-up.
Three sets of strip-type LED modules arranged circumferentially around the reactor;
Reduced light spots, dark zones, and irradiation dead zones;
Narrow-band LED wavelengths matched to the absorption characteristics of the photosensitizer or photocatalyst;
Continuously adjustable light output;
Water-cooled LED modules for stable long-term operation.
Integrated static mixing elements inside the reactor tube;
Continuous plug-flow operation;
Precisely controlled residence time;
Improved mixing and mass-transfer efficiency;
Reduced formation of undesired by-products.
High-borosilicate glass reactor tube;
PTFE pump head;
Wetted components made of fluoropolymers, glass, and fluoroelastomers;
No direct metal contact with the reaction solution;
Suitable for strongly acidic, strongly alkaline, and corrosive reaction media;
Reduced risk of metal contamination in catalytic reactions and final products.
Independent water-cooling circuits for the LED light source and reactor jacket;
Real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and light-source power;
Automatic recording of operating data;
Safety alarms and automatic shutdown protection for over-temperature, overpressure, and overcurrent conditions.
Robust aluminum-profile frame;
Compact and integrated system configuration;
10-inch industrial touchscreen;
Historical data storage and export;
Convenient for process optimization, data traceability, and future system expansion.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reactor Configuration | DN50 glass tubular reactor with temperature-control jacket and integrated mixing elements |
| Effective Liquid Hold-up Volume | Approx. 1.8 L |
| Feed Pump Frequency Control | 30–60 Hz |
| Operating Pressure | Atmospheric pressure to 0.06 MPa |
| Operating Temperature | Ambient temperature to 60 °C |
| Wetted Materials | Fluoropolymers, glass, and fluoroelastomers |
| Light Source | Water-cooled 365 nm LED panels with external annular irradiation |
| Electrical Power of Light Source | 4,000 W, adjustable from 10% to 100% |
| Overall Dimensions | 145 × 95 × 200 cm |
[2+2] PhotocycloadditionSynthesis of cyclobutane-containing pharmaceutical and fine-chemical intermediates.
Construction of heterocyclic compounds, complex molecular frameworks, and chiral structures.
Photochemical oxidation, oxygen-assisted cyclization, and other reactions involving gaseous reactants.
Process development, parameter optimization, scale-up verification, and technology transfer from laboratory research to pilot-scale production.
