Principles of Green Chemistry
Green Chemistry is based upon but not limited to the definition proposed by Anastas and Warner. “Green chemistry is the utilisation of a set of principles that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture and application of chemical products.” (Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, P T Anastas and J C Warner, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998). Green chemistry is a relatively novel branch of chemistry which consists of the research, development, and application of green and environmental technologies ("Green Chemistry"). Paul Anastas and John Warner not only defined Green Chemistry, but they also developed a list of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry:
Prevention
Atom Economy
Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
Designing Safer Chemicals
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Reduce Derivatives
Catalysis
Design for Degradation
Real-time analysis for Pollution Prevention
Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
This list summarizes an early conception of what would make a product, process, or chemical more green and sustainable ("12 Principles Of Green Chemistry - American Chemical Society").
There are many benefits of Green Chemistry, on the environment, on human health, and on the economy and business. To begin with, Green Chemistry prioritizes safer chemicals and efficiency, and therefore results in a lesser exposure to corrosive and hazardous chemicals, and cleaner air and water in the long run. Secondly, prevention of waste, the degrading or recycling of chemicals, and less toxic chemical use all contribute to the safekeeping of the environment and the ecosystem. Finally, efficiency, higher yields for chemical reactions, atom economy, and smaller amounts of feedstock all contribute positively to the industry and the economy ("Benefits Of Green Chemistry | US EPA"). The ability to commercialize a greener production of aspirin would push for a greater positive impact on the environment, and it has therefore become a significant research topic.
