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

The main aspects of the effect of microwave electromagnetic radiation on the physicochemical processes in solutions and heterogeneous systems are analysed. The good prospects for the use of microwave radiation for intensification of various types of interaction are demonstrated in relation to dissolution, hydrolysis of organic and inorganic substances, complex formation of 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.