Abstract: A planar flow reactor includes a straight planar process channel, a flow generator, and a plurality of static mixing elements disposed within the process channel. The flow generator is configured to generate a pulsatile flow within the process channel, and the static mixing elements are configured to locally split and recombine the flow. The straight planar process channel enables the generation of a flow pattern that is largely independent of the width of the process channel, meaning that the throughput may be increased by increasing the width without significantly affecting the residence time distribution or the flow behavior. Furthermore, by creating a pulsatile flow within the process channel, turbulence and/or chaotic fluid flows may be generated even at low net flow rates, i.e. low net Reynolds numbers.

Abstract: A planar flow reactor includes a straight planar process channel, a flow generator, and a plurality of static mixing elements disposed within the process channel. The flow generator is configured to generate a pulsatile flow within the process channel, and the static mixing elements are configured to locally split and recombine the flow. The straight planar process channel enables the generation of a flow pattern that is largely independent of the width of the process channel, meaning that the throughput may be increased by increasing the width without significantly affecting the residence time distribution or the flow behavior. Furthermore, by creating a pulsatile flow within the process channel, turbulence and/or chaotic fluid flows may be generated even at low net flow rates, i.e. low net Reynolds numbers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the production of a variety of esters, particularly acrylate and methacrylate-based esters, by a transesterification reaction. This objective is achieved by reaction of an ester of a carboxylic or a carbonic acid, in particular of a saturated or unsaturated, typically, a 3 to 4 carbon atom carboxylic acid; with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst comprising the combination of a metal 1,3-dicarbonyl complex (pref. Zn or Fe acetylacetonate) and a salt, in particular an inorganic salt, pref. ZnCl2, LiCI, NaCI, NH4CI or Lil. These catalysts are prepared from readily available starting materials within the reaction medium without the need for isolation (in-situ preparation).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a general catalyst of high activity and selectivity for the production of a variety of esters, particularly acrylate and methacrylate-based esters, by a transesterification reaction. This objective is achieved by reaction of an ester of a carboxylic or a carbonic acid, in particular of a saturated or unsaturated, typically, a 3 to 4 carbon atom carboxylic acid; with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst comprising the combination of a metal 1,3-dicarbonyl complex (pref. Zn or Fe acetylacetonate) and a salt, in particular an inorganic salt, pref. ZnCl2, LiCI, NaCI, NH4CI or Lil. These catalysts are prepared from readily available starting materials within the reaction medium without the need for isolation (in-situ preparation).