Abstract

Background: High-pressure chemistry offers the possibility to have faster and cleaner transformations thus addressing most of the green chemistry principles. Among the devices recently developed, Q-tube is worth mentioning since it is cheap, easy to handle, safe and highly versatile.

Methods: The most recent and interesting results obtained using such technique are reviewed in this study.

Results: Examples of the Q-tube assisted reactions in organic synthesis are presented in a critical manner making where possible, a comparison with conventional heating strategies and unconventional energy source such as microwave or ultrasounds assisted synthesis. The application of Q-tube pressure reactor in biofuels manufacture is also discussed.

Conclusion: The literature survey clearly revealed that Q-tube is a valid tool in organic synthesis.

Keywords: Q-tube, high pressure, multicomponent reactions, green chemistry, microwave, ultrasounds, biofuels.

Graphical Abstract