General Characteristics and Applications of Microwaves in Organic Synthesis

This review focusses upon the key achievements made in organic synthesis using microwave-assisted reactions in the solid phase, with neat reactants and under solvent-free conditions. It also highlights the general characteristics of microwave applications in organic synthesis. It shows that reactions under microwaves are fast, with often increased reaction rates and lead to better selectivity. Some of the microwave-assisted reactions can even be carried out under neat conditions therefore leading to the area of green chemistry.