Mechanochemistry for Synthesis

Mechanochemical solvent-free reactions by milling, grinding or other types of mechanical action have emerged as a viable alternative to solution chemistry. Mechanochemistry offers not only a possibility to eliminate the need for bulk solvent use, and reduce the generation of waste, but it also unlocks the door to a different reaction environment in which synthetic strategies, reactions and molecules previously not accessible in solution, can be achieved. This Minireview examines the potential of mechanochemistry in chemical and materials synthesis, by providing a cross-section of the recent developments in using ball milling for the formation of molecules and materials based on covalent and coordination bonds.