A Continuous-Flow Microwave Reactor for Conducting High-Temperature and High-Pressure Chemical Reactions

A continuous-flow microwave reactor with a unique pressure control device is described. The reactor has been designed to withstand extremely high pressure without the involvement of a conventional backpressure-creating device that commonly results in carryover and cross-contamination problems. The reactor efficiency has been evaluated by product conversions using two model reactions, namely, the Claisen rearrangement and the synthesis of benzimidazole.