Green Chemistry

Green Chemistry is an approach to chemical design and manufacturing that aims to minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances and waste throughout the life cycle of chemical products. It involves the design, development, and implementation of chemical processes and products that are more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable.

The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, developed by Paul Anastas and John Warner, provide a framework for designing sustainable chemical processes and products. These principles include:

Prevent waste: Design chemical syntheses to prevent waste, leaving no waste to treat or clean up.

Maximize atom economy: Design synthetic methods that maximize the incorporation of all materials used in the process into the final product.

Design less hazardous chemical syntheses: Design chemical syntheses to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to human health and the environment.

Design safer chemicals and products: Design chemical products that are safe for their intended use and that minimize the potential for accidents or unintended consequences.

Use renewable feedstocks: Use renewable raw materials or feedstocks that are sustainably produced and harvested.

Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents: Use catalytic reactions to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption.

Design chemicals and products to degrade after use: Design chemical products that can be easily broken down into innocuous substances after their intended use, avoiding accumulation in the environment.

Analyze in real-time to prevent pollution: Develop and use analytical methodologies to monitor chemical processes and products in real-time to prevent pollution.

Minimize energy consumption: Design chemical processes that are energy-efficient and minimize the use of non-renewable energy sources.

Use renewable solvents: Use solvents that are derived from renewable resources or that have minimal environmental impact.

Avoid chemical derivatives: Minimize the use of chemical derivatives (such as blocking groups, protecting groups, and temporary modifications) that can generate waste or require additional synthetic steps.

Design for inherent safety: Design chemical processes and products that are inherently safe and avoid the need for additional safety measures or equipment.

Overall, Green Chemistry aims to promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to chemical design and manufacturing, and to support a transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy.