Continuous catalytic hydrogenations utilising Supercritical Fluids (SCFs), particularly Supercritical CO_2 (scCO_2), have several advantages over traditional batch hydrogenation methodologies [1]. These advantages include the complete miscibility of H_2 in scCO_2 that can lead to enhancement of reaction rates due to the minimization of mass transport limitations. Also facile product recovery by depressurisation and increased safety due to reduced reactor volume when compared to batch methods. A small continuous flow apparatus for the hydrogenation of substrates in scCO_2 has been developed. Calculations and gas analysis have been performed to establish the reliability and reproducibility of hydrogenation reactions. This apparatus allows the use of smaller amounts of experimental catalysts (~10 mg) and reaction conditions can be altered more rapidly due to the reduced reactor volume.
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