Changing Perspectives on the Strategic use of Microwave Heating in Organic Synthesis

Abstract
This Personal Account describes collaborative investigations into apocryphal microwave effects in organic chemistry. Focused research on microwave‐assisted organic synthesis has been fraught with confusion, controversy, and misinformation. Microwave heating is an undoubtedly useful tactic for organic synthesis, but whether or not it can offer strategic advantages remains an open question in the minds of many people. (Ironically, those who do not consider it an open question are split as to whether it has been resolved affirmatively or negatively.) Our research in this area is guided by the hypothesis that microwave heating can alter reaction kinetics in ways distinct from what is observable under conventional heating. Here we provide a succinct record of the origins of our interests, our initial queries and associated controversies, and recent efforts to identify, quantify, and begin to leverage selective microwave heating for strategic advantage in organic synthesis.

The strategic application of selective microwave heating in organic synthesis is coming into focus. After a series of false starts and controversies, the synthetic community is converging on the idea that thermal kinetic reactivity of polar solutes in nonpolar solvent under microwave heating can exceed temperature‐based expectations. The authors’ collaborative and evolving research efforts in this area along with selected examples from the broader literature are discussed.

Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - October 18, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Gregory B. Dudley, A. E. Stiegman Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research