Introduction to Microwave Chemistry

For more than a century heterocycles have constituted one of the largest areas of research in organic chemistry. The heterocyclic moieties are of exceptional interest in the pharmaceutical industry as they make up a core part of several drugs. The importance of heterocycles provides a significant basis for the development of new methods for their synthesis. Further, due to the strengthening environmental regulations and safety concerns, the industries are in need of new innovative, environmental friendly alternate routes for synthesizing the therapeutic and pharmacological important heterocyclics are desired. This environmentally benign synthesis can be easily designed using microwave methodology. The microwaves induce rapid heating and avoid the harsh classical conditions, resulting in the formation of cleaner products. The first chapter thus deals with the microwave theory, latest developments in instrumentation technology, the various microwave technologies used for synthesis.