Typical Cases of Continuous Flow Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Synthesis in 2023–2024

Abstract Continuous flow chemistry, as an emerging technology and a significant trend in the field of pharmaceutical synthesis, has been increasingly employed in both academic laboratories and miniature industrial workshops to produce various compounds and intermediates. Compared to traditional batch production methods, this technology enhances the heat and mass transfer effects during the reaction process, thereby reducing reaction times and yielding purer products with greater consistency in quality. Furthermore, continuous flow technology enables precise control of reaction parameters, minimizes the need for intermediate separation and purification steps, and offers a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly platform for synthesis and production of chemical drugs. In this brief review, we present and evaluate typical cases from 2023 to 2024 that demonstrate the advancements in pharmaceutical synthetic processes achieved through flow chemistry, emphasizing the significant advantages of producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a continuous flow manner. This review is aimed to afford a conducive reference for efficient and sustainable production of pharmaceuticals, thereby reinvigorating the field with the aid of flow chemistry.