Solvent-free synthesis of metal complexes.

Avoiding the use of solvents in synthesis can reduce environmental contamination and even be more convenient than using solvent-based synthesis. In this tutorial review we focus on recent research into the use of mechanochemistry (grinding) to synthesise metal complexes in the absence of solvent. We include synthesis of mononuclear complexes, coordination clusters, spacious coordination cages, and 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional coordination polymers (metal organic frameworks) which can even exhibit microporosity.