Basic Principles of Green Chemistry

Abstract

Green chemistry is defined as environmentally benign chemical synthesis. Any synthesis, whether performed in teaching laboratories or industries should create none or minimum by-products which pollute the atmosphere. According to the work carried out by Paul T. Anastas, the following basic principles of green chemistry have been formulated¹:

• Prevention of waste/by-products.

• Maximum incorporation of the reactants (starting materials and reagents) into the final product.

• Prevention or minimization of hazardous products.

• Designing of safer chemicals.

• Energy requirement for any synthesis should be minimum.

• Selecting the most appropriate solvent.

• Selecting the appropriate starting materials.

• Use of the protecting group should be avoided whenever possible.

• Use of catalysts should be preferred wherever possible.

• Products obtained should be biodegradable.

• The manufacturing plants should be so designed as to eliminate the possibility of accidents during operations.

• Strengthening of analytical techniques to control hazardous compounds.