A Modular, Argon-Driven Flow Platform for Natural Product Synthesis and Late-Stage Transformations

A modular flow platform for the synthesis of natural products and their analogs was designed. To access different reaction setups with a maximum of flexibility, interchangeable 3D-printed components serve as backbone. By switching from conventional liquid- to gas-driven flow, reagent and solvent waste is minimized which translates into an advantageous sustainability and economy profile. To enable inert conditions, practical “Schlenk-in-flow” techniques for the safe handling of oxygen- and moisture sensitive reagents were developed. Adopting these techniques, reproducible transformations in natural product synthesis were achieved.