Recent Advances in Organic Synthesis Using Glycerol as a Green Media

Various catalytic and non-catalytic organic transformations are carried out in glycerol media with superior efficiency over commonly employed organic solvents. The success of glycerol as a green media is due to its exceptional H-bonding properties, which result in enhanced reactivity in many organic transformations. In addition, its highly polar nature and non-toxic properties, recyclability, large availability as an organic waste from the biodiesel industry, high boiling point, low vapor pressure and low price further extend the scope of this solvent as green media. In this review, we present the potential use of glycerol as a green solvent in many organic transformations in two sections: cyclization reactions and miscellaneous reactions.