Selective microwave heating of organic reaction systems has the potential to improve the fields of fine-chemical synthesis, catalysts, green chemistry, and flow chemistry by providing strategic advantages in reaction outcomes compared to conventional heating at the same temperature under specific conditions. One strategic application of selective microwave heating was recently reported and described as the “chaperone” effect, in which chemically reactive molecules that are poor absorbers of microwave radiation can be selectively heated by the microwave and can experience chemical-rate enhancement if they are selectively associated in solution with non-reactive polar molecules that are strong microwave absorbers. This study is focused on applying a similar concept to improve solubility of highly polar solutes in nonpolar solvents. Experiments in which 2-benzyloxy-1-methylpyridinium triflate (BnOPT) was heated in mixed DMSO-toluene and other solvent systems in order to examine the potential for thermal Friedel-Crafts benzyl-transfer events under with microwave and conventional heating will be presented. The target of inquiry is to provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that thermolysis of BnOPT can be faster in the microwave than that under conventional heating under otherwise similar conditions. This research will provide new paradigms for microwave chemistry.

Selective microwave heating of organic reaction systems

2019 Spring National Meeting

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