Climate & Environment
Solvent-Free Synthesis
Definition
Solvent-free synthesis conducts chemical reactions without a solvent medium, typically by grinding or milling reactants together (mechanochemistry), heating neat mixtures, or using solid-state reactions. Because solvents constitute the majority of mass used in chemical processes and a large share of their waste and energy (for distillation and recovery), eliminating them is among the most effective applications of the green chemistry principles of waste prevention and safer solvents.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Solvent-Free Synthesis” is defined and used.
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Overview
How it is used
The approach structures green chemistry research, pharmaceutical process development, and metrics-driven waste reduction (process mass intensity) in fine chemicals.
Why it matters
The greenest solvent is no solvent; solvent-free synthesis attacks chemical waste at its largest single source.