Can non-polar or ‘microwave transparent’ solvents be used?
Although non-polar solvents are microwave transparent, the reagents are often good absorbers capable of generating sufficient heat. Hence it is advisable to run these reactions as concentrated as possible. Alternatively a small amount of a strong absorber, such as NMP, DMF, or a salt, may be added. When adding these, it is very important that they form a homogenous solution with the solvent.
