Microwave-and Ultrasound-Assisted Chemistry

SCHEME 1.10 Qrganocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of functionalized tetrahydrothiophenes [35]. 

SCHEME 1.11 Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of chromane derivatives [36]. 

Over the past decade, focused miCTOwave reactors have revolutionized how synthetic chemists approach the preparation of chemical compounds. Due to their ability to rapidly heat reactions on small to moderate scales, microwave-assisted chanisiry has become 

NaOH (aq, 1.1 equiv) 95-100 °C, 20 min open vessel focused microwave reactor 

SCHEME 1.12 Microwave-assisted aqueous alkylation of amines using an open vessel [47]. 

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This chapter discusses the principal aspects of the technique in its two modes, the devices typically employed by each and their amenability to coupling with subsequent operations of the analytical process. Also, the main analytical applications of both modes in analytical chemistry are described, and their advantages and disadvantages with respect to alternative techniques such as Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted or supercritical fluid extraction, discussed. 

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