Microwave assisted solid additive effects in simple dry chlorination reactions with n-chlorosuccinimide

Solid additives participate in the dry microwave assisted chlorination reaction of N-chlorosuccinimide with the xylenes affecting both yields and chemoselectivities. Total yields can be increased up to nine times for simple alkylaromatics and chemoselectivities can be altered according to the desired ring or α-side chlorination product by choosing the appropriate additive. We believe that in these reactions the solid additives play a very important role by increasing yields and affecting chemoselectivities, as well as behaving as microwave energy absorbers that consequently aid the transfer of heat to the active reagents.