Recent advances in the field of continuous flow chemistry allow the multistep preparation of complex molecules such as APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) in a telescoped manner. Numerous examples of laboratory-scale applications are described, which are pointing towards novel manufacturing processes of pharmaceutical compounds, in accordance with recent regulatory, economical and quality guidances. The chemical and technical knowledge gained during these studies is considerable; nevertheless, connecting several individual chemical transformations and the attached analytics and purification holds hidden traps. In this review, we summarize innovative solutions for these challenges, in order to benefit chemists aiming to exploit flow chemistry systems for the synthesis of biologically active molecules. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Budapest University of Technology and Economics
• Gedeon Richter Plc
• MTA BME Organ Chem Technol Res Grp

• API

1. Active pharmaceutical ingredient
2. API
3. Continuous flow processing
4. Continuous purification
5. In-line analytics
6. Multistep flow synthesis
7. Research Article
8. Telescoping