Tinkering with Mechanochemical Tools for Scale Up

Abstract

Mechanochemistry provides an environmentally benign platform to develop more sustainable chemical processes by limiting raw materials, energy use, and waste generation while using physically smaller equipment. A continuously growing research community has steadily showcased examples of beneficial mechanochemistry applications at both the laboratory and the preparative scale. In contrast to solution‐based chemistry, mechanochemical processes have not yet been standardized, and thus scaling up is still a nascent discipline. The purpose of this Minireview is to highlight similarities, differences and challenges of the various approaches that have been successfully applied for a range of chemical applications at various scales. We hope to provide a discussion starting point for those interested in further developing mechanochemical processes for commercial use and/or industrialisation.

Fast and scalable solvent-free access to Lappert's heavier tetrylenes E{N(SiMe3)2}2 (E = Ge, Sn, Pb) and ECl{N(SiMe3)2} (E = Ge, Sn)

“…Currently, one of the major challenges for the broader adoption of mechanochemical methodologies is its ability to be implemented at large preparative scales. 38 This is especially needed in the main group field, where examples of compounds, complexes and materials at large scales are scarce. 35…”

Green metrics in mechanochemistry

“…This addresses and/or mitigates the challenges mentioned above with traditional mechanochemical techniques. 23 Related to temperature effects, and despite most mechanochemical reactions reported in the literature relying on mechanical energy to initiate or promote chemical transformation without needing external heating at room temperature. Some mechanochemical reactions require the input of thermal energy for optimal results.…”

Synthesis without solvent: consequences for mechanochemical reactivity

“…Some of these are matters of scale, as reactions that might be conducted successfully on a sub-gram laboratory scale can fail when they are attempted on multigram or larger amounts. 66 Some of these issues could potentially be addressed through different equipment choices, for example, specially designed mills or screw extrusion devices, or resonant acoustic mixers, which can be built to handle kilograms of reagents. 14,67 Apart from the basic issues of mixing, there are fundamental chemical issues that must be addressed, such as the dispersion of heat in highly exothermic reactions, which solvents can do efficiently.…”