Dominique M.
Roberge
Lonza, Visp,
CH-3930, Switzerland
Member of Chimica Oggi / Chemistry Today’s
Scientific Advisory Board

The literal definition of Flow Chemistry is operating a chemical process in a continuous manner. However, would you say that a petrochemical process is run via flow chemistry? Most likely not since this term is primarily associated with sectors where the traditional mode of operation is batch, such as speciality and fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals manufacturing. These sectors are currently undergoing an important effort to implement flow as a standard means of production. This is highlighted by the founding of the Journal of Flow Chemistry in 2010 where readers will observe that most of the articles discuss processes from these sectors.