Microwave-assisted rapid organic reactions constitute an emerging
technology that could make industrially important organic syntheses
more eco-friendly than conventional reactions. In our laboratory
Microwave-Induced Organic Reaction Enhancement (MORE) chemistry
techniques have been developed that are safe since all reactions
are conducted in open systems to avoid any chance of explosions
that have been observed in sealed systems. MORE chemistry can be
conducted without an added solvent if one or more of the reactants
is a liquid that absorbs microwaves efficiently. When it is necessary
to add a dipolar solvent for transferring microwave energy to the
reactants, it is adequate to add just enough solvent to form a slurry
at room temperature. The growing concern about the effect of organic
solvents and chemical wastes on the environment is attracting attention
to non-traditional synthetic approaches that might ‘reduce
pollution at the source’. In this context MORE chemistry
techniques are potentially valuable as they reduce the need for
organic solvents and also increase ‘atom economy’ by improving
product selectivity and chemical yield.
microwave enhanced synthesis - solventless reactions - product selectivity - nitrene reaction - synthesis
in aqueous media
