A photochemical reactor is a device used in chemical reactions where light starts or speeds up the reaction process. It is frequently utilized in industrial processes, environmental applications, and research. It typically consists of a chamber or vessel where chemical reactions occur under controlled light exposure.
Different light sources can be used in photochemical reactors based on the particular needs of the reaction. Common sources of light include:
- Mercury vapor lamps: The UV light emitted by these lamps is highly energetic and frequently used to start photochemical reactions.
- Xenon lamps: Xenon lamps are appropriate for various photochemical reactions because the lamps emit light with a broad spectrum that includes visible, ultraviolet, and occasionally near-infrared wavelengths.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode) arrays: LEDs provide fine-grained control over wavelength and intensity, enabling customized lighting for particular reactions. They are more durable and use less energy than other light sources.
- Metal halide lamps: These lamps are frequently utilized in ultraviolet processes that call for high-intensity light because they emit a wide range of light, including visible and ultraviolet wavelengths.
- Laser systems: By producing intense, highly focused light beams, laser sources can facilitate particular reactions and offer exact control over the reaction conditions.
Several variables influence the light source selection, including the intended wavelength range, intensity, energy efficiency, and compatibility with the reaction conditions.
Flow photochemical reactors are useful for photochemistry research and industrial applications because they improve efficiency, safety, scalability, and control.
Thanks to the revolutionary Vapourtec UV-150 photochemical reactor, every chemistry lab can now easily access photochemistry. The UV-150 reactor makes it possible to fully utilize the potential of photochemical reactors by removing the issues associated with conventional batch synthesis. Under continuous flow operation, it provides safe, accurate, efficient, consistent, and scalable photochemistry.
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Features of the UV-150 Photochemical Reactor
- Optional spectrometer for real-time transmission spectra
- Interchangeable light sources, all compatible with the same reactor body
- Compatible with R-Series and E-Series
- Three light sources are available
- Temperature control
- Interlocks for safety
- Multiple gram/hour scale-up
- Easily changed reactors
- Compact and space-efficient design
Compatible with the R-Series and E-Series
The R-Series and E-Series flow chemistry systems from Vapourtec can be interfaced with the UV-150 photochemical reactor. Like the Vapourtec reactor family, the UV-150 merely plugs into the system's ports. To finish the installation, connect the power supply module and temperature sensor. Installing and starting a reaction with the UV-150 reactor takes less than five minutes.
Image Credit: VAPOURTEC Ltd
Image Credit: VAPOURTEC Ltd
Light Sources
Vapourtec provides three distinct light sources with precise wavelengths ranging from 220 nm to 650 nm.
Available Light Sources
Medium Pressure Mercury Lamp
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Low-Pressure Mercury Lamp
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Monochromatic LEDs
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Temperature Control
The UV-150 photochemical reactor provides the highest level of reaction selectivity and precise and safe heat management. It offers a temperature-controlled environment ranging from -20 to 80 ℃.
Separate, sealed quartz chambers contain the reactor and lamp. To dissipate heat, air circulates within each chamber before being extracted and expelled from the system. The high gas flow rate provides effective temperature control. A dichroic mirror reflects more than 90% of the UV energy back into the reactor, which also removes heat from the system.
Multiple Gram/Hour Scale-up
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Traditional batch photochemistry is difficult to scale up. The UV-150 photochemical reactor enables the process of scaling up.
For instance, the medium-pressure mercury lamp's high power enables the synthesis of several grams of material per hour. In a replication experiment of the [2+2] cycloaddition of maleimide and 1-hexyne, as reported in published literature, conversion rates exceeding 5 g/hour have been successfully achieved.
Easily Changed Photochemical Reactors
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The UV-150 reactor is constructed from a single layer of small-bore fluoropolymer tubing with thin walls. This maximizes the amount of light photons that reagents can absorb.
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Tubing cartridges are simple to remove and replace in seconds. Standard reactor cartridges come in volumes of 2 ml, 5 ml, or 10 ml. Smaller reactors are useful for maximizing reaction conditions while reducing reagent consumption. A user-rewindable 10 ml cartridge is now available from Vapourtec.
Photochemical Reactor Compact Design
Due to its compact design, the UV-150 photochemical reactor is significantly smaller than conventional photochemical reactors. Furthermore, a sizable external recirculating chiller—which has historically been used to cool the lamp in other reactors—is not required. The UV-150 reactor only takes up one reactor position on the E-Series or two reactor positions on the R-Series. This makes it possible for the scope to perform multi-step (telescoped) photochemical reactions.
R-Series. Image Credit: VAPOURTEC Ltd
E-Series. Image Credit: VAPOURTEC Ltd
Photochemical Reactor Real-Time Spectra Data
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Real-time spectral data is extremely helpful when it comes to photochemical reactions. The UV-150 photochemical reactor has an optional spectrometer that measures wavelengths, reactant adsorption, and spectral intensity. A fiber-optic probe clamping fixture is included with the reactor. This probe transfers light to a spectrometer for examination. The fixture's placement allows the probe to "look through" the reactor and directly at the lamp. This makes it possible to measure the reactants' relative spectral intensities while the reaction occurs.
Vapourtec can also provide a suitable CCD spectrometer and fiber-optic probe.
Interlocked for Safety
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The UV-150 photochemical reactor design places a high priority on safety. Without the need for extra light shielding, the light source can be used safely in a typical laboratory fume cabinet because it is fully enclosed. If the lamp becomes exposed, the reactor's power supply is interlocked to ensure that power is safely cut off. The accumulation of flammable gases or vapors is avoided by the forced ventilation system.