Chemistry 2.0: Developing a New, Solvent-Free System of Chemical Synthesis Based on Mechanochemistry

Abstract

Mechanochemistry by grinding or milling has grown from a laboratory curiosity to a versatile approach for the synthesis and discovery of molecules, materials and reactivity. Focusing on organic synthesis and the chemistry of organic solids in general, we now provide a snapshot of this exciting, rapidly developing area, with the intention to illustrate its potential in establishing a more efficient and environmentally friendly system of chemical and materials synthesis, based on solid-state transformations rather than conventional, solution-dependent chemistry.1 What is Chemistry 2.0?2 Introduction2.1 Why Mechanochemistry Now?2.2 What’s in a Mechanochemistry Laboratory?3 Liquid-Assisted Grinding (LAG): Controlling Mechanochemistry4 The Solvent-Free Research Laboratory5 Medicinal Mechanochemistry6 Exploring Molecular Recognition7 Some Myths to Dispel8 Catalytic Reactions by Mechanochemistry8.1 Catalysis and Reactivity Involving Bulk Metals8.2 Enzyme Catalysis in Mechanochemistry8.3 Coupling of Mechanochemistry, Photochemistry and Supramolecular Catalysis9 Organometallic Mechanochemistry10 New Opportunities10.1 Stoichiometric Control10.2 ‘Impossible’ Molecules10.3 Reaction Discovery by Mechanochemistry11 Energetics of Mechanochemistry12 Mechanistic Understanding13 Real-Time Reaction Monitoring14 Conclusions