Microwave irradiation as a sustainable tool for catalytic carbonylation reactions

Abstract

Carbonylation reaction is a very effective and sustainable catalytic process to promote the one-pot synthesis of esters, amides and also heterocyclic compounds, starting from halogenated or triflate aromatic hydrocarbons. Microwave promoted catalytic carbonylation reactions is considered a valuable alternative to the classical methods, especially regarding selectivity, atom economy and energy-saving which is in line with the demand for more sustainable industrial processes. The development of microwave reactors suitable to perform reactions under gas pressure led to significant advances in the research area based on microwave-assisted carbonylation reactions. Herein we review the application of microwave assisted homogeneous and heterogeneous carbonylation reactions, organized accordingly to the source of carbon monoxide, including CO gas, and metal carbonyl complexes.