5.13 and 5.14 Atom economy

Question 1

Atom economy

Answer 1

The measure of the amount of starting materials that end up as useful products

(Total Mr of desired products / total Mr of all products) x 100

Question 2

Sustainable development

Answer 2

In general, the higher the atom economy, the lower its impact on the environment. Processes with high atom economies are usually preferred because they produce less waste and conserve limited resources.

This means they are more sustainable.