Microwave radiation in analytical chemistry: the scope and prospects for application

The key aspects of the effect of microwaves on the physicochemical processes in solutions and heterogeneous systems are analysed. Good prospects for the use of microwave radiation for intensifying various types of interaction are demonstrated in relation to dissolution, hydrolysis of organic and inorganic substances, complex formation by metal ions in solution and in the sorbent phase, oxidation of organic compounds, and synthesis of coordination and organic compounds. Specific features of analytical operations with microwave treatment are considered and the trends of development of analytical methods using microwaves are discussed. The bibliography includes 137 references.