Solvent-Free Synthesis

Solvent Synthesis

Reacting products in a solvent

Produces a great amount of waste

Due to creating waste it is often inefficient

Pollutive

Solid state synthesis

Reacting products without a medium (solvent).

Most organic reactions occur in presence of a solvent, thus creating the theory that every reaction must occur in a solution.

Historically, this theory was used to preserve food product, remove the median of the reaction thus slowing it down considerably.

E.G

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

physiologically active 2-amino-4H-Benzo[b]pyrans 8

Advantages

Does not require a solvent

Waste reduction;
without a solvent it cant be wasted, no byproducts from the solvent will be present

Quality;
As there is no solvent or byproducts from the solvent the product is much more pure then if it where conducted with a solvent. Additionally, solvent-free reaction produces a greater yield

Cost efficiency;
Due to the purity and the greater yield which solvent-free synthesis provides, solvent-free synthesis is more cost effective than traditional synthesis.

Sustainable;
As not as much waste is produced solid state synthesis is more environmental and less pollutive

Application

Making new materials which new or different properties

Making the chemical synthesis industry produce less pollution and more cost effective.

Limitations

Difficult to control the reaction.

Only achievable on small scales

Reaction only achievable by mechanical processes
I.e. Grinding (mortar and pistil), thermal heating, microwaves.