Chapter Three - Mechano Heterocyclic Chemistry: Grinding and Ball Mills

Abstract

Abstract This review covers till 2013 the main publications dealing with the use of mechanochemistry in heterocyclic chemistry. Physical aspects, like polymorphism and cocrystals, physicochemical problems, like tautomerism and desmotropy, and pure chemical ones, like synthesis and reactivity, are discussed. The review puts special emphasis on active pharmaceutical ingredients and, in general, on biological aspects. It will become clear that the technique has the advantages of time, simplicity, cost, and lower waste. Moreover, some complex structures that are difficult to prepare in solution, can be easily obtained by using simple, solventless grinding. The conclusion of this survey is that mechanochemistry will become another green method as important as microwave ovens in chemistry, although much exciting work remains to be done, both experimental and theoretically.