Dry media reactions

Nowadays, the microwave dielectric heating effect uses the ability of some liquids and solids to transform electromagnetic energy into heat and thereb y drive chemical reactions. This in situ mode of energy conversion has many attractions for chemists [1-2], because its magnitude depends on the prope rties of the molecules. This allows some control of the material's properti es and may lead to reaction selectivity. There are a variety of methods for carrying out microwave-assisted organic reactions using domestic or commer cial ovens; this is basically known as microwave-induced organic reaction e nhancement (MORE) chemistry [3]. Microwave heating has not been restricted to organic chemistry as various aspects of inorganic chemistry and polymer chemistry have also been investigated. However, usually the same chemistry (conventional heating) has been observed when the organic reactions involve d were carried out. The difference lies in the choice of reaction condition s: The reactions were carried out in high boiling solvents (dimethylformami de, DMF). Healing is fast, but maximum temperatures were chosen below the b oiling point of the solvent in order to avoid solvent evaporation. One coul d work this in open reaction vessels and could choose a small amount of sol vent when targeting for solubility at the reaction temperature. Overall, Bo se [3] claims that the method is more cost effective (only simple glassware needed) and environment friendly (less solvent needed). To demonstrate the versatility of MORE chemistry, a variety of organic reac tions have been done using domestic microwave oven or commercial ovens.