Benefits with multi-component reactions

The application of microwave technology to speed up chemical reactions is now an accepted and acknowledged tool among chemists. However, combining it with other methodologies such as multi-component reactions can further enhance the benefits offered by the microwaves alone. 

One of the benefits of microwave-assisted synthesis is the remarkable acceleration of reactions conducted in unconventional reaction media. The use of water is an economical and nonflammable option to traditional organic solvents. It is important as the high dielectric constant of the water allows efficient absorption of microwave irradiation. Tu et al. (2009) developed a microwave-assisted reaction under aqueous conditions for an efficient synthesis of benzo[e][l,4]thiazepin-2-ones via a multi-component reaction between benzaldehyde, an aromatic amine and mercaptoacetic acid at 110 °C in 7-10 min with 94% yield using water as the solvent. 

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