Organic Sonochemistry: A Chemist's Timely Perspective on Mechanisms and Reactivity

Sonochemistry, the use of sound waves, usually within the ultrasonic range (>20 kHz), to boost or alter chemical properties and reactivity constitutes a long-standing and sustainable technique that has, however, received less attention than other activation protocols despite affordable setups. Even if unnecessary to underline the impact of ultrasound-based strategies in a broad range of chemical and biological applications, there is considerable misunderstanding and pitfalls regarding the interpretation of cavitational effects and the actual role played by the acoustic field. In this Perspective, with an eye on mechanisms in particular, we discuss the potentiality of sonochemistry in synthetic organic chemistry through selected examples of past and recent developments. Such examples illustrate specific controlling effects and working rules. Looking back at the past while looking forward to advancing the field, some essentials of sonochemical activation will be distilled.

Automated summary

Sonochemistry, using sound waves in the ultrasonic range to enhance or alter chemical properties and reactivity, is a long-standing and sustainable technique that has received less attention than other activation protocols despite its affordable setups. While the impact of ultrasound-based strategies in a broad range of chemical and biological applications is undeniable, there are considerable misunderstandings and pitfalls regarding cavitational effects and the actual role of the acoustic field. Through selected examples of past and recent developments, the potentiality of sonochemistry in synthetic organic chemistry is discussed, highlighting specific controlling effects and working rules. Looking back at the past while looking forward to advancing the field, some essentials of sonochemical activation will be distilled.