ADVERTORIAL flexibility, pressure and temperature control and flexibility in light source( LED modules).
A recent collaboration with Signify illustrates the value of structured photoflow development. 1 In a pharmaceutically relevant Wohl- Ziegler benzylic bromination, a Signify multi-colour light engine was combined with the HANU reactor to screen multiple wavelengths rapidly. A first screen at 365, 395, 420 and 450 nm identified 395 nm as the preferred wavelength under the tested conditions. The selected condition was then operated continuously for four hours.
During that run, stable conversion was observed, with high in situ product yields. The study reported no specific clogging, no brown oily film deposition on the reactor wall contrary to previous reports by Pratley et al. 2 It also reported an isolated product output of 16.36 g per hour in a 5 mL reactor and a space-time yield based on isolated yield approximately 3.3 times higher than the dynamic mixed reactor benchmark.
For an R & D audience, the broader message is more important than the individual reaction. Photoflow enables faster and more structured learning. Wavelength, intensity, residence time, concentration, mixing behaviour and operational stability can be investigated in a development framework that already reflects future scale-up questions.
Instead of optimising chemistry first and addressing manufacturability later, chemists and engineers can
evaluate both together. This reduces uncertainty and helps identify earlier whether a photochemical route deserves further investment.
The value extends beyond reaction performance. For processdevelopment teams, structured photoflow screening can test route control, scalability and impurity strategy. For technical operations, it supports thinking around scaleup, cleanability, safety and plant fit. For sustainability and quality stakeholders, it links reaction improvement with energy input, solvent use, recovery, recycling, waste-treatment considerations and repeatable operating windows.
References: 1: Ajinomoto, AOC Signify Application Note. https:// www. ajisustainablesolutions. com / wp-content / uploads / 2025 / 05 / Ajinomoto _ AOCSignify _ applicationnote-FINAL. pdf 2: C. Pratley, Y. Shaalan, L. Boulton, C. Jamieson, J. A. Murphy & L. J. Edwards, Org. Process Res. Dev., 2024, 28( 5), 1725 – 1733. https:// doi. org / 10.1021 / acs. oprd. 3c00348
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Gert Callebaut
EXTERNAL R & D & BUSINESS SUPPORT MANAGER
AJINOMOTO SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS gert. callebaut @ aoc. ajinomoto. com www. ajisustainablesolutions. com
Photochemistry is not the answer to every manufacturing challenge, and continuous flow is not a universal replacement for batch. But when the right molecule, mechanism and business case come together, photoflow can unlock possibilities that conventional approaches struggle to realise. It can bridge the gap between discovery chemistry and industrial reality by aligning scientific innovation, process engineering, operational excellence and sustainability from the start.
For R & D teams exploring the next generation of sustainable chemical processes, the question is no longer simply whether photochemistry works. The more relevant question is: what becomes possible when photochemistry is designed for industrial implementation from Day One?
That is the opportunity continuous flow is helping to unlock. It is also where Ajinomoto Sustainable Solutions aims to create value: transforming promising science into scalable, reliable and sustainable manufacturing solutions. ● *- HANU is a registered trademark of Ajinomoto
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Joris De Keijser
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGER
AJINOMOTO SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS joris. dekeijser @ aoc. ajinomoto. com www. ajisustainablesolutions. com
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