Microwave assisted organic synthesis has
revolutionized organic synthesis. Small molecules can
be built in a fraction of the time required by classical
thermal methods. As a result, this technique has
rapidly gained acceptance as a valuable tool for
accelerating drug discovery and development
processes. A microwave is a form of electromagnetic
energy, which falls at the lower end of the
electromagnetic spectrum and is defined in a
measurement of frequency as 300 to 300,000
Megahertz, corresponding to wavelengths of 1 cm to 1
m1. The microwave region of the electromagnetic
spectrum lies between infrared and radio
frequencies2,3. Wavelengths between 1 cm and 25 cm
are extensively used for RADAR transmissions and
remaining wavelength range is used for
telecommunications. In order to avoid interference
with radar and telecommunication activities, which
also operate in this region, most commercial and
domestic microwave ovens operate at 2450 MHz
(12.25cm).
The difference between microwave energy and
other forms of radiation, such as X- and γ-rays, is that
microwave energy is non-ionizing and therefore does