When thinking of chemists at work, we usually visualize them mixing liquids in vials and test tubes. This approach to chemistry, working with reagents dissolved in organic solvents such as ethanol or dichloromethane, is called solution synthesis. While common, it is not the only game in town; another set of techniques known as mechanochemistry, which involves directly mixing chemicals in their undiluted forms, is emerging as an environmentally friendly way to create state-of-the-art chemicals.