Abstract
The potential of microwave power as a tool to facilitate chemical reactions has not whetted the chemist’s appetite in the past and the phenomenon and uses of microwaves have remained in the comer of spectroscopists and engineers for a long time. The possibility of microwaves initiating chemical changes has nevertheless excited our imagination for the past ten years. We will present the original development of the concept of microwave catalysis/sensitization in chemistry and the coming of age of the techniques as an enabling technology in the industrial world. A number of demonstrated applications ranging from hydrocarbon oxidations to environmental technology will be illustrated, as well as the most recently developed technique and applications of the microwave-induced acoustic phenomenon.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
J.K.S. Wan, Conversion of Methane to Ethylene and Hydrogen, US Patent 4 574 038, 1986.
J.K.S. Wan, M.Y. Tse, H. Husby, and M.C. Depew, J. Microwave Power Electromagnetic Energy 25, 1 (1990).
J.K.S. Wan, Method for Disposal of Chemical Waste, US Patent 4 345 983, 1982.
T. Dinesen, M.Y. Tse, M.C. Depew, and J.K.S. Wan, Res. Chem. Intermed. 15, 113 (1991).
J.K.S. Wan and J. Kriz, A Process for Hydrodesulfurization of Hydrocracked Pitch, US Patent 4 545 879, 1985.
M.C. Depew, S. Lem, and J.K.S. Wan, Res. Chem. Intermed. 16, 213 (1991).
For example, see J.K.S. Wan, G. Bamwenda and M.C. Depew, Res. Chem. Intermed. 16, 241 (1991) and references therein.
P. Biloen and W.M.H. Sachtler, Adv. Catal. 30, 1 (1981).
G. Bamwenda, E. Moore, and J.K.S. Wan, Res. Chem. Intermed. 17, 243 (1992).
J.K.S. Wan and T.A. Koch, to be published.
M.S. Scurrell, Applied Catalysis 32, 1 (1987).
J.K.S. Wan, M.Y. Tse, and M.C. Depew, Microwave Induced Catalytic Oxidations of Hydrocarbons by Water, US Patent allowed and to be issued, 1993.
M.Y. Tse, M.C. Depew, and J.K.S. Wan, Res. Chem. Intermed. 13, 221 (1990).
M. Anpo, T. Nomura, T. Kittao, E. Giamello, D. Murphy, M. Che, and M.A. Fox, Res. Chem. Intermed. 15, 225, 1991.
J.K.S. Wan, H. Sauren, J.C. Wren, and R.S. Pemberton, to be published.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wan, J.K.S. Microwaves and chemistry: The catalysis of an exciting marriage. Res Chem Intermed 19, 147–158 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1163/156856793X00055
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/156856793X00055