The importance of agitation and fill volume in small scale scientific microwave reactors

The effect of agitation and fill volume in a microwave tube on the rate of homogenous reaction solutions under both stirred and unstirred conditions is reported. Significant increases in rate are found in two different microwave instruments when the homogenous reaction mixture is unstirred. These results have significant implications for the continuing use of domestic or kitchen type microwaves in synthetic applications; and in scientific microwaves where stirring may be compromised, for example in the presence of heavy slurries or viscous liquids.