On-Demand Production of Two Commercial Plant Activators, Tiadinil and Methiadinil, under an Integrated Continuous Flow System

A continuous synthesis of two plant activators, tiadinil and methiadinil, was developed by using reaction chips. After exploring the synthetic approach in batch at the first stage, the key intermediate 4-methyl-1,2,3-thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid was prepared in 70% yield by using a hybrid device equipped with two reaction chips. Tiadinil and methiadinil were then obtained in 88 and 81% yields, respectively, through a quick condensation reaction (81 s) in a reaction chip. This study showcases the potential of continuous flow chemistry in the field of agricultural and fine chemicals.