Applications of Green Chemistry

The implementation of green chemistry principles and green technology makes the process of organic synthesis safer. From the green chemistry point of view, E-factor, atom efficiency, or atom economy are generally accepted new criteria to measure the effectiveness of the organic chemical reactions. Green chemistry also enjoys the advantage of catalytic reactions. Catalysts can be of several types including homogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous catalysts, biocatalysts, and as well as phase-transfer catalysts. Chemical synthesis has to be environmentally friendly, whereas the majority of the solvents applied now are volatile organic substances that are inflammable, explosive, and harmful to the environment. In this regard, there are several alternative approaches in green chemistry including solvent less chemistry, use of dimethylcarbonate, carrying out reactions at supercritical conditions, use of ionic liquids, and as well as the use of the fluorous biphasic systems. Green chemistry should have green reactions and technologies. Following the 12 principles of green chemistry which require a certain strategy and expertise, commonly the set of indicators are used for assessing the critical points of the process. The safety analysis is a systematic study of the process, aimed at identifying potential causes of accidents, risk assessment, which they represent, and finding measures to reduce this risk. The substitution of hazardous materials by more benign ones is a core principle of green chemistry, and a key feature in ISD (Inherently safer design).