Reactions under Ultrasound

Abstract

Sonochemistry deals with the mechanical and chemical effects of Ultrasound (US). Ultrasonic vibration has been used to accelerate a large number of chemical reactions, to reduce the thickness of liquid films and to enhance mass and gas transfers. Electrochemical methods are of widely recognized importance in the generation of reactive intermediates, and organic electrosynthesis associated with sonochemistry can provide transformations to compounds which may be difficult to prepare by other techniques. Synthetic organic reactions performed under non-traditional conditions are gaining popularity, primarily to circumvent growing environmental concerns (Green Chemistry). The features of US-assisted organic transformations, namely the selectivity, ease of experimental manipulation, and enhanced reaction rates, are highlighted in this chapter. The use of this non-traditional tool helps to overcome many of the difficulties associated with conventional reactions, and offers both process-related and environmental advantages in organic synthesis. Keywords: sonochemical methods; green chemistry; organic electrosynthesis; sonochemistry; ultrasonic vibration; cavitation