Microwave-assisted Cycloaddition Reactions in Carbo- and Heterocyclic Chemistry

Recent developments in the microwave-assisted synthesis of carbo- and heterocyclicsystems are reviewed with the focus on diversity-oriented cycloaddition reactions. Ineed, these reactions represent one of the most important endeavors in chemistry and are of considerable interest in the synthesis of carbo-and heterocyclic compounds from simple unsaturated systems, and allow the creation of more than two bonds in one step. This review summarizes recent literature (2006-2013) on advances regarding [3+2], [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions including their miscellaneous version. Advantages of microwave dielectric heating are highlighted by comparison with conventional thermal conditions. In particular, we describe here the microwave effect, reaction media including solvent-free transformations and more ecological processes in the context of green and environmentally benign chemistry.