Principles of Green Chemistry

Green chemistry is a chemical approach designed to maximize efficiency and minimize harmful effects on human health and the environment. While no reaction is entirely "green," the overall negative impact of chemical research and the chemical industry can be reduced by implementing the 12 principles of green chemistry wherever possible.

 

1. Prevent waste

 

Prioritize preventing waste over cleaning and disposing of it.

 

Plan ahead to minimize waste at every step.

 

2. Atomic economy

 

Reduce waste at the molecular level by maximizing the number of atoms in all reagents that are incorporated into the final product using atomic economics to evaluate reaction efficiency.

 

3. less dangerous chemical synthesis

 

Take into account the hazards of all substances treated during the reaction process, including waste.

 

4. Design safer chemicals

 

Aspects such as non-physical environment, toxicity and environmental fate are evaluated directly through and throughout the design process.

 

5.safer solvents and additives

 

Choose the safest solvent for any given step. Minimize the total amount of solvents and auxiliaries used, as they make up a large proportion of the total waste.

 

6. Energy consumption design

 

Choose chemical routes that use the least amount of energy to avoid heating and cooling, as well as pressurized and vacuum conditions (ambient temperature and pressure are optimal).

 

7. Use renewable raw materials

 

Use chemicals made from renewable, non-natural raw materials rather than other equivalent chemicals derived from petrochemical raw materials.

 

8. Reduce derivatives

 

Minimize the use of temporary derivatives and avoid derivatives to reduce reaction steps, resources required, and waste generated.

 

9. Catalysis

 

Catalytic reagents are used in the reaction instead of stoichiometric reagents. Choosing a catalyst helps to improve selectivity, reduce waste, and reduce reaction time and energy requirements.

 

10. Degenerate design

 

Design chemicals that are easily degraded and discarded to ensure the chemicals and their bioaccumulation or environmental persistence.

 

11.real-time pollution prevention

 

The chemical reactions taking place are monitored in real time to prevent the formation and release of any potentially dangerous and polluting substances.

 

12.safer chemicals to prevent accidents

 

Select and develop chemical agents that reduce the risk of accidents. Understand the possible risks and assess them beforehand.