Mechanochemistry and the Zincke reaction

Mechanochemistry in this thesis is taken to mean the formation of new covalent chemical bonds using any form of mechanical activation, and usually in a solvent free environment. This is in contrast to typical chemical reactions which take place in solvents and are often promoted by thermal energy. The opening chapter begins by giving on overview to the history and development of mechanochemistry to the present day. It then discusses the position of mechanochemical synthesis in the burgeoning field of ‘Green’ chemistry, specifically by looking at the solvent free aspects of synthesis using this technique via reaction monitoring through to continuous synthetic methods. This is achieved by making a selection of small molecules and organic materials – those containing the atoms C, H, N, O and S only. This thesis gives an overview of the specific chemistry relevant to the syntheses undertaken: the Zincke reaction, its pyridinium and anilino products and their use as precursors for the synthesis of useful functional polymeric conductors, and polymethine dyes.