date-created: '2008-02-19'
date-updated: '2025-11-27'
manifest-author:
    name: Appropedia
    email: admin@appropedia.org
title: 'Green chemistry'
description: '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.'
keywords:
    - 'Green chemistry'
    - Chemistry
    - Biotech
project-link: 'https://www.appropedia.org/Green_chemistry'
contact:
    social:
        platform: Appropedia
version: 26
made: false
license:
    documentation: CC-BY-SA-3.0
licensor:
    affliation: 'NSF/EPA Partnership for Environmental Research'
    contact: 'https://www.appropedia.org/'
documentation-home: 'https://www.appropedia.org/Green_chemistry'
documentation-language: en