Green chemistry , also known as sustainable chemistry, refers to environmentally friendly chemicals and processes that result in: reduced waste, eliminating costly end-of-the-pipe treatments; safer products; and reduced use of energy and resources—all improving the competitiveness of chemical manufacturers and their customers.
It includes:
- Design of alternative synthetic pathways for new or existing chemicals which do not utilize toxic reagents or solvents or do not produce toxic by-products or co-products.
- Design or redesign of useful chemicals and materials such that they are less toxic to health and the environment or safer with regard to accident potential.
Appropriate areas of investigation[expansion needed] include: chemical synthesis and catalysis; analysis and detection; separation processes; and reaction mechanisms.
Examples include:
- Use of innovative methods such as catalysis and biocatalysis; photochemistry or biomimetic synthesis; and use of alternative starting
materials which are innocuous or renewable.
- Use of creative reaction conditions, such as using solvents which have a reduced impact on health and the environment or increasing reaction selectivity thus reducing wastes and emissions.
Note on available content.[1]
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Note there is a lot more on the above source page that might be useful. Or use APDS to find more, or search just NSF.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Wikipedia:Green chemistry
- Green chemistry at NSF (note this is a public domain site, except where noted, so the content can be ported here.)
References[edit | edit source]
U.S EPA [1]