Comparison of microwave-assisted and conventional preparations of cyclic imides

Microwave-assisted preparation of several cyclic imides was performed with four different cyclic anhydrides. All the reactions are significantly faster and the isolated yields are significantly higher compared to conventionally heated reactions. Furthermore, many of these reactions can be performed with a minimal amount of solvent, thereby enabling the synthetic chemist to obtain high quantities of pure cyclic imides in a matter of hours. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.