Frank E. Smith

Bio: Frank E. Smith is an academic researcher from Laurentian University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry & Crystal structure. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 43 publications receiving 3098 citations. Previous affiliations of Frank E. Smith include Cornell University.

The rapid synthesis of organic compounds in microwave ovens

Abstract: This work demonstrates that organic compounds can be synthesized up to 1240 times faster in sealed Teflon vessels in a microwave oven than by conventional (reflux) techniques. It is shown that all ...

Ferene — a new spectrophotometric reagent for iron

Abstract: Ferene iron reagent, 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(2-(5-furyl sulfonic acid)-1,2,4-triazine, disodium salt, monohydrate, has been synthesized and characterized. Results of a study of its complex formation ...

Controlled microwave heating in modern organic synthesis.

Abstract: Although fire is now rarely used in synthetic chemistry, it was not until Robert Bunsen invented the burner in 1855 that the energy from this heat source could be applied to a reaction vessel in a focused manner. The Bunsen burner was later superseded by the isomantle, oil bath, or hot plate as a source for applying heat to a chemical reaction. In the past few years, heating and driving chemical reactions by microwave energy has been an increasingly popular theme in the scientific community. This nonclassical heating technique is slowly moving from a laboratory curiosity to an established technique that is heavily used in both academia and industry. The efficiency of "microwave flash heating" in dramatically reducing reaction times (from days and hours to minutes and seconds) is just one of the many advantages. This Review highlights recent applications of controlled microwave heating in modern organic synthesis, and discusses some of the underlying phenomena and issues involved.

Microwaves in organic synthesis. thermal and non-thermal microwave effects

Abstract: Microwave irradiation has been successfully applied in organic chemistry. Spectacular accelerations, higher yields under milder reaction conditions and higher product purities have all been reported. Indeed, a number of authors have described success in reactions that do not occur by conventional heating and even modifications of selectivity (chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity). The effect of microwave irradiation in organic synthesis is a combination of thermal effects, arising from the heating rate, superheating or “hot spots” and the selective absorption of radiation by polar substances. Such phenomena are not usually accessible by classical heating and the existence of non-thermal effects of highly polarizing radiation—the “specific microwave effect”—is still a controversial topic. An overview of the thermal effects and the current state of non-thermal microwave effects is presented in this critical review along with a view on how these phenomena can be effectively used in organic synthesis.