Metallorganic reactions in the polytropic microreactors

High exothermicity, unstable intermediates, high reaction rates are the features that make metallorganic reactions very challenging, especially in commercial operation. No wonder that there is a large interest for the alternative production technology. This paper reviews a research program by Bayer on metallorganic reactions in microreactors. Selected aspects of use of micro-reaction technology for this reaction class are discussed. Two operational issues, i.e. temperature control and clogging are highlighted. Furthermore, the design concept of a MRT based commercial unit and its economics are discussed.