Silica-Based materials as catalysts or supports in solvent-free organic reactions

This chapter summarizes recent developments in solvent-free organic synthesis. In particular, the chapter focuses on the reactions conducted under neat conditions and in the presence of silica-based reagents or catalysts. The chapter describes the synthesis of those materials and salient features that are responsible for the enhanced reaction rates and greater selectivity. The discussion demonstrates that silica-based solids can be used to carry out a wide range of reactions and the approach can prove beneficial, leading to no solvent waste, in line with modern green chemistry metrics.