Synthetic flow chemistry group

The infrastructure brings together the capabilities in chemical synthesis, chemical and biotechnology in Estonia. Its primary goal is the development and technologization of new sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods, such as mechanosynthesis, flow chemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and organocatalysis. New chemical methods (using enzymes, ionic liquids, and metal-organic frameworks) creates new opportunities for obtaining complex natural compounds. To ensure the sustainability of methods and materials, safety studies are conducted. The shared use of the infrastructure initiates new interdisciplinary projects and creates prerequisites for innovation and collaboration with research-intensive companies. Involving the use of infrastructure at all levels of higher education and in micro-degree programs ensures continuity in science and a qualified personnel for entrepreneurship.

The efficient utilisation of bio-based resources is essential for achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. AGRI-WASTE2H2 will focus on straw-derived cellulose – an abundant but underexploited agricultural side-product – as feedstock in an advanced electrochemical process, tailored for enhanced efficiency in the production of green hydrogen with significantly reduced energy consumption compared to standard water electrolysis. At the same time, the process will concurrently produce valuable platform chemicals and materials. AGRI-WASTE2H2 relies on the combined expertise of researchers in three Nordic-Baltic countries – Finland, Sweden and Estonia. The Synthetic Flow Chemistry group at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, will focus on transferring the electrochemical oxidation of cellulose into the flow regime, aiming to achieve high efficiency and productivity of the developed transformation. The scaling-up process in flow is a key step for a successful industrial application. AGRI-WASTE2H2 capitalises on the abundance of renewable electricity and agricultural side-streams in the Nordic-Baltic area to produce fuel and chemicals, thereby alleviating the region’s dependence on import of fossil feedstocks. As such, the project will result in tools for reduced CO2 emissions and increased regional resilience, while spurring the growth of new green industries of particular benefit for rural areas. The collaboration between researchers three Nordic-Baltic countries will enable results beyond what the individual partner can achieve alone and promote regional mobility and new collaborations. By leveraging our specialised know-how, we aim to drive innovation tailored to our regional needs and strengths.

Organic electrochemistry is transforming modern synthesis by offering green, efficient methods that replace toxic oxidants and reductants with electricity. Continuous flow electrosynthesis, superior to batch processes, addresses challenges like heat transfer, mixing, and scalability enabling lab-scale replication of industrial methods. This project targets the sustainable synthesis of alkyl and fluoroalkyl hypervalent iodine reagents (λ3-iodanes) using electrochemical flow methods. Traditionally generated with stoichiometric oxidants, these reagents cause waste and separation issues. Electrochemical strategies allow access to unstable aliphatic iodanes cleanly. Their use in stereoselective α-alkylation, amination, and nucleophilic (radio)fluorination and fluoroalkylation reactions will be explored. This work aligns with the European Green Deal, advancing green chemistry and innovation in sustainable catalysis.