DOES MICROWAVE-HEATING HAVE A ROLE IN FUNCTIONAL-GROUP REACTIONS OF COAL

Recent applications of microwave heating to specific problems in coal science, with particular reference to coal characterization, are brief ly discussed. It is suggested that the technique can be invaluable in the laboratory for driving heterogeneous reactions involving coal, par ticularly when side-reactions are minimal. The steric demand of a reag ent is an important factor to be considered, as is the accessibility a nd steric environment of the coal functional groups that are to be rea cted. Experience to date suggests that optimal conditions for the succ ess of microwave-driven chemistry are achieved by use of silicon-and t in-containing reagents. Some new data on removal of organic sulfur are also discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.