Drivers for Performing Photochemical Biradical Formation in Micro Reactors

1 Drivers for Performing Photochemical Biradical Formation in Micro Reactors 

The main driver here is not dedicated to the specific reaction, but rather stems from the general desire to establish photochemical paths for a wider range of reactions. 

Photochemical reactions have the principal advantage of clean chemistry , as they use light of defined energy [72, 74], Synthesis of vitamin D and photocleavage of protection groups, for example, are accepted organic synthesis routes. Nevertheless, no widespread use of photochemistry has been made so far as this technique 

Large-scale reactors have low quantum yields as radiation does not penetrate deeply into the reaction vessel [72, 74]. As a consequence, high-power lamps have to be used causing a lot of excess heat and even posing safety constraints. These energy sources produce locally high quantities of radicals which may not mix thoroughly with the rest of the solution. Therefore, they may not find a second reaction partner, but instead react by themselves. This radical combination reduces selectivity and creates additional heat. 

---