Flow chemistry vs. batch chemistry

Continuous flow synthesis or chemistry is the term used by synthetic chemists to describe the process whereby reagents are continuously pooled and circulated in a fluid for a given time. Process engineers tend to refer to continuous reactors, but with a much more rigorous classification that also takes into account the nature of the reactor's shape, flow and agitation. In contrast, synthetic chemists describe batch chemistry as the process by which reagents are pooled in a vessel and agitated for a given time. Process engineers, on the other hand, speak of a closed reactor (or tank), while also taking into account the nature of the agitation.

Confusion also arises when the terms micro- or milli-reactors are used. These two terms...