Polymerization reactions
In recent years, the use of microwaves has become an important synthesis technique, especially in polymer chemistry [1]. Free and controlled radical polymerizations, polyadditiones, polycondensations as well as ring-opening polymerizations are often faster than under conventional reaction control. By varying the reaction conditions or adding different additives, different structures can be synthesized in a short time and thus a combinatorial strategy for the production of new materials can be pursued.
1 Hoogenboom R. und Schubert U. S.: Macromol. Rapid Commun., 28, 368-386 (2007)
Many chemical reactions can be facilitated by microwave irradiation and, compared to traditional heating methods, occur at faster reaction rates and higher yields. In addition to the great time advantage, the low workload and simple and safe operation of the equipment are also important. The use of different working techniques synthetically results in a high degree of flexibility. Automated processes also enable rapid optimization of reaction conditions and rapid testing of new ideas.
H. Ritter, GIT-Labor – Portal für Anwender in Wissenschaft und Industrie (https://www.git-labor.de) 11.07.2011
