The Flamma Group annually produces a complex small peptide on a scale of tens of metric tons. In the last step of the synthetic process, an oxidation of an alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde is carried out. This step is exothermic⚡ and carried out using a toxic and expensive reagent. The initial process produced large amounts of waste 🗑️ and the solvent recovery was challenging. With the improved process, the last step is carried out in a flow plant constructed by Microinnova. The flow chemistry project generated a yield increase of 15% 📈 resulting in a reduction of 20% in raw material costs. Furthermore, the e-factor was reduced by 39% and the cycle time ⏱️ of the process was reduced by 65%. The amount of waste was reduced by 40% and solvent recovery became easier.
This successful collaboration between Flamma and Microinnova 🌟 has demonstrated the potential of flow chemistry and process intensification 🚀. It showcases how one can help achieve efficient processing leading towards a more sustainable future ♻️. Walter Linhart had the pleasure of presenting this together with Flamma’s Francesco Ponzini at the Innovation & Sustainability in Process Chemistry Symposium, held by Chiesi 🤝 in Parma, Italy on November 5 – 6, 2024.