Microwave-induced reactions: an alternative route for chemical synthesis

In an effort to study the scope of microwave radiation for organic bromination reactions, some reactions were studied using a domestic microwave oven. Results reveal that these radiation-induced reactions are unique in their high yields and that they require extremely short reaction times compared with conventional room-temperature reactions. In these reactions tetrabutyl ammonium tribromide was used as an alternative brominating reagent in order to avoid the chemical hazards associated with liquid bromine (Br₂). As all the reactions were successfully carried out in solid state under microwave conditions, the use of solvent was not required. All these aspects make the bromination protocol quite environment friendly.