Introduction to the Concept Of Green Chemistry

Green chemistry consists of chemicals and chemical processes designed to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts. The use and production of these chemicals may involve reduced waste products, non-toxic components, and improved efficiency.

Green chemistry is a highly effective approach to pollution prevention because it applies innovative scientific solutions to real-world environmental situations. The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, originally published by Paul Anastas and John Warner in Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice (Oxford University Press: New York, 1998), provide a road map for chemists to implement green chemistry.

Sustainable Chemistry Hierarchy

Chemical products and processes should be designed to the highest level of this hierarchy and be cost-competitive in the market.

Green Chemistry: Source Reduction/Prevention of Chemical Hazards
- Design chemical products to be less hazardous to human health and the environment*
- Use feedstocks and reagents that are less hazardous to human health and the environment*
- Design syntheses and other processes to be less energy and materials intensive (high atom economy, low E-factor)
- Use feedstocks derived from annually renewable resources or from abundant waste
- Design chemical products for increased, more facile reuse or recycling
Reuse or Recycle Chemicals
Treat Chemicals to Render Them Less Hazardous
Dispose of Chemicals Properly

*chemicals that are less hazardous to human health and the environment are:

Less toxic to organisms and ecosystems
Not persistent or bioaccumulative in organisms or the environment
Inherently safer with respect to handling and use

Introduction to the Concept Of Green Chemistry

Sustainable Chemistry Hierarchy

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