Continuous multiple liquid-liquid separation: diazotization of amino acids in flow.

A second-generation laboratory-scale, modular liquid-liquid separation device based on computer-controlled high-pressure pumps and a high-resolution digital camera has been invented. The diazotization of amino acids to produce valuable chiral hydroxyacids is demonstrated in flow for the first time. The use of a triple-separator system in conjuction with the developed diazotization process allows the safe and efficient production and automated isolation of multigram quantities of valuable chiral hydroxyacids.