With the help of a laboratory microwave oven chemical reactions can be optimized under controlled conditions. In comparison to traditional heating in an oil bath the use of a microwave reactor leads to a distinct heating mechanism. Heating does not occur by heat transfer from the surrounding media but by internal interaction of molecules with the microwaves. The result is a consisting heat build-up, thereby leading to shorter reaction times and a better conversion.

There a two Focused Microwave Reactor Systems of the Discover type (CEM) available in the research group of Prof. Kuckling. These reactors contain a self-regulating single mode microwave chamber with a power of up to 300 W. Round-bottom flasks (up to 100 mL volume) as well as autoclaves (10 mL or 80 mL volume) can be used as reaction vessels.