Application of nontraditional activation methods in green and sustainable chemistry: Microwaves, ultrasounds, electro-, photo-, and mechanochemistry, and high hydrostatic pressure

Abstract

Abstract The most commonly applied nontraditional activation methods are summarized in this chapter. Nontraditional methods include every method that use a different form of energy to initiate chemical reactions other than the convective heating that is achieved by a common heat source, such as an oil bath or a hot plate. After an introduction to the basics of each method is presented, the specific examples are listed to provide a few representative examples. The following methods will be discussed: microwave-, sonochemical-, photo-, electro-, and mechanochemical activations and high hydrostatic pressure. These methods use different forms of electromagnetic irradiation, mechanical contact or sonic waves, or electrons, and transfer energy directly to the reaction mixture and activation occurs by one or more component of the mixture absorbing it. Due to the direct internal activation, these methods often result in rapid reactions with greater selectivity compared to traditional methods.