Green chemistry
Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry or environmentally benign chemistry, is a scientific and innovative approach that focuses on the design, development, and application of chemical processes and products that minimize their negative impact on the environment and human health. The core principles of green chemistry aim to reduce or eliminate the generation and release of hazardous substances, waste, and pollutants during the entire life cycle of chemicals.
Objectives;
2-Maximizing resource efficiency: Green chemistry emphasizes the importance of using resources more efficiently to reduce waste generation and promote sustainability.
3-Promoting energy efficiency: Green chemistry aims to optimize energy consumption during chemical processes to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact.
4-Designing safer chemicals and products: Green chemistry involves creating chemicals and products that have reduced toxicity, are biodegradable, and have minimal persistence in the environment.
5-Reducing waste generation: Green chemistry strives to develop processes that generate fewer waste byproducts and pollutants, reducing the need for expensive and environmentally harmful waste treatment and disposal.
6-Using renewable feedstocks: Green chemistry encourages the use of renewable resources as raw materials for chemical processes, reducing dependence on finite resources and fossil fuels.
7-Preventing accidents and promoting safety: Green chemistry seeks to design inherently safer chemical processes and products to minimize the risk of accidents and potential harm to humans and the environment.
The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry were established by Paul Anastas and John C. Warner in the 1990s. Here are the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry:
>>Prevention: It is better to prevent waste generation and environmental pollution than to clean it up afterward. Design chemical processes to minimize the use of hazardous substances and maximize resource efficiency.
>>Atom Economy: Maximize the incorporation of all starting materials into the final product, thereby reducing waste and minimizing the consumption of resources.
>>Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis: Develop methodologies that use and produce substances that are non-toxic and have minimal impact on human health and the environment.
>>Designing Safer Chemicals: Create chemicals that are designed to be effective but with reduced toxicity, avoiding the use of hazardous substances whenever possible.
>>Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries: Choose and design solvents and other auxiliary substances that are environmentally benign, less toxic, and have low energy requirements.
>>Design for Energy Efficiency: Optimize energy use during chemical processes to reduce the overall environmental footprint.
>>Use of Renewable Feedstocks: Promote the use of renewable resources as feedstocks for chemical processes, reducing reliance on finite resources and fossil fuels.
>>Reduce Derivatives: Minimize the use of chemical derivatives (such as blocking/unblocking agents) that can generate waste and pose environmental hazards.
>>Catalysis: Use catalytic reactions whenever possible to increase the efficiency of chemical processes and reduce the need for high temperatures and pressures.
>>Design for Degradation: Create products that are designed to break down into innocuous substances after their useful life, thus minimizing environmental persistence.
>>Real-time Analysis: Develop real-time monitoring and control methods to ensure safer chemical processes and reduce the risk of accidents.
>>Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention: Choose safer chemical reactions and products whenever possible to avoid accidents and reduce potential hazards to human health and the environment.
These principles provide a framework for chemists, researchers, and industries to design and develop chemical processes and products that are more sustainable, safer, and less harmful to the environment and human health. By applying these principles, green chemistry aims to foster a more responsible and environmentally conscious approach to chemical innovation and production.
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