Synthesis 2002(11): 1578-1591
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-33344
SPECIALTOPIC
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

MORE Chemistry for Less Pollution: Applications for Process Development

Ajay K. Bose*, Maghar S. Manhas, Subhendu N. Ganguly, Anju H. Sharma, Bimal K. Banik
George Barasch Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken NJ 07030, USA
Fax: +1(201)2168240; e-Mail: abose@stevens.edu;
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Publikationsverlauf

Received 9 April 2002
Publikationsdatum:
23. August 2002 (online)

Abstract

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.

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Unpublished work from our laboratory.

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T & S Educational, Inc. (email: prekem@kemtecscience.com) has produced Kemtec Microwave Kits for organizing ‘Microwave Instant LabTM’ for high school students created by Ajay K. Bose and John R. Young.