12 Principles of Green Chemistry

Question 1

Waste Prevention

Answer 1

Prioritize the prevention of waste, rather than cleaning up and treating waste after it has been created. Plan ahead to minimize waste at every step.

Question 2

Atom Economy

Answer 2

Reduce waste at the molecular level by maximizing the number of atoms from all reagents that are incorporated into the final product. Use atom economy to evaluate reaction efficiency.

Question 3

Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis

Answer 3

Design chemical reactions and synthetic routes to be as safe as possible. Consider the hazards of all substances handled during the reaction, including waste.

Question 4

Designing Safer Chemicals

Answer 4

Minimize toxicity directly by molecular design. Predict and evaluate aspects such as physical properties, toxicity, and environmental fate throughout the design process.

Question 5

Safer Solvents & Auxiliaries

Answer 5

Choose the safest solvent available for any given step. Minimize the total amount of solvents and auxiliary substances used, as these make up a large percentage of the total waste created.

Question 6

Design for Energy Efficiency

Answer 6

Choose the least energy-intensive chemical route. Avoid heating and cooling, as well as pressurized and vacuum conditions (i.e. ambient temperature & pressure are optimal).

Question 7

Use of Renewable Feedstocks

Answer 7

Use chemicals which are made from renewable (i.e. plant based) sources, rather than other, equivalent chemicals originating from petrochemical sources.

Question 8

Reduce Derivatives

Answer 8

Minimize the use of temporary derivatives such as protecting groups. Avoid derivatives to reduce reaction steps, resources required, and waste created.

Question 9

Catalysis

Answer 9

Use catalytic instead of stoichiometric reagents in reactions. Choose catalysts to help increase selectivity, minimize waste, and reduce reaction times and energy demands.

Question 10

Design for Degradation

Answer 10

Design chemicals that degrade and can be discarded easily. Ensure that both chemicals and their degradation products are not toxic, bioaccumulative, or environmentally persistent.

Question 11

Real Time Pollution Prevention

Answer 11

Monitor chemical reactions in real-time as they occur to prevent the formation and release of any potentially hazardous and polluting substances.

Question 12

Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention

Answer 12

Choose and develop chemical procedures that are safer and inherently minimize the risk of accidents. Known the possible risks and assess them beforehand.