A method of synthesizing and reacting compounds in a cyclone reactor (10) is disclosed and described. A liquid carrier can be provided which can include solid catalyst particles, liquid catalysts, and/or liquid reactants. The liquid carrier can be formed into a swirl layer (38) within the cyclone reactor (10). A reactant composition including at least one reactant can also be injected through at least a portion of the swirl layer (38) such that at least a portion of the reactant is converted to a reaction product. The cyclone reactor (10) allows for improved contact of reactants and catalyst, with fine temperature control, thus increasing reaction yields and selectivity