U3-2-3 - Atom Economy Flashcards
Part of the Getting the Most from Reactants topic from Unit 3 of Higher Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
1
Q
This number measures the proportion of reactants that have been converted to useful products.
A
Atom economy
2
Q
What is the atom economy of this reaction? (No calculation needed)
A
100%
Only 1 product made, so all atoms (100%) used in desired product
3
Q
Why is Route 1 the preferred way to produce ethanol, C2H5OH?
A
Route 1 has 100% atom economy OR only 1 product made
CO2 in route 2 is a by-product, so those atoms are ‘wasted’
