Green synthesis

• Also known as environmentally benign or sustainable

synthesis

• It aims to develop methods and processes that minimize the

use of hazardous substances, reduce waste generation, and

promote eco-friendly alternatives.

• This approach is particularly relevant in the context of

environmental science, where the impact of chemical

processes on the planet is a growing concern.

Principles of Green
Synthesis
• Emphasizes several key principles to ensure the
sustainability of chemical processes.

• Principles- the use of renewable feedstocks, the

reduction or elimination of hazardous substances,
energy efficiency, and the minimization of waste
production.

• By adhering to these principles, chemists can develop of

eco-friendly technologies and promote sustainable
practices.
 Renewable feedstocks
• The fundamental principle of green synthesis is the use of

renewable feedstocks.

• Utilizing raw materials derived from sustainable sources, such

as biomass or agricultural waste, instead of relying on finite

resources.

• For example, bio-based polymers derived from plant sugars or

cellulose alternatives to traditional petrochemical-based

plastics, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

 Solvent-free reactions
• Traditional chemical reactions often require large amounts of

organic solvents, which can be hazardous to human health and

the environment.

• Green synthesis promotes solvent-free or water-based

reactions to minimize the environmental impact.

• Example- use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a green

solvent, which is non-toxic, non-flammable, and can be easily

recycled.
 Catalysis
• Enables reactions to occur under milder conditions, reducing

energy consumption and waste production.

• Homogeneous catalysis (catalyst is in the same phase as

reactants) and heterogeneous catalysis (where the phase of

catalysts differs from that of the reactants or products) are

widely employed in sustainable reactions.

• For instance, transition metal catalysts can facilitate the

selective conversion of biomass-derived compounds into

valuable chemicals, allowing for more efficient and eco-

friendly processes.
 Examples of Green Synthesis
Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles:

• Nanoparticles (ultrafine particle is usually defined as a particle of

matter that is between 1 and 100 nm in diameter) are widely

used in various applications.

• Their conventional synthesis methods often involve toxic

precursors and harsh conditions.

• Green synthesis methods, such as using plant extracts or

microbial processes, offer environmentally friendly alternatives.

• For instance, silver nanoparticles synthesized using plant

extracts exhibit antimicrobial properties, opening avenues for

sustainable applications in water purification.

Photocatalysis for Water Treatment

• Photocatalysis, driven by solar energy, is a sustainable

approach to water treatment.

• Semiconductor materials, such as titanium dioxide, can

be employed as photocatalysts to degrade organic

pollutants in water under sunlight.

• This method avoids the use of chemical additives and

provides a green solution for addressing water pollution.

• Green synthesis and sustainable reactions represent a

crucial aspect of environment, addressing the need for

more sustainable and eco-friendly chemical processes.

• By incorporating these principles into research and

industrial practices, we can contribute to a cleaner and

healthier planet
 Life Cycle Assessment and
Environmental Impact in Green
Chemistry
• For sustainable practices, green chemistry is pivotal field,

emphasizing the design and implementation of chemical

processes that minimize environmental impact.

• One crucial tool employed in evaluating and guiding these

practices is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

• LCA is a systematic method to assess the environmental

impacts of a product, process, or activity throughout its entire

life cycle.
 LCA
• Life Cycle Assessment - comprehensive analysis of a

product or process from its raw material extraction,

through manufacturing and use, to its eventual

disposal or recycling. • It considers environmental

factors such as energy use,
resource consumption,
emissions, and waste
generation at each stage,
providing a holistic
perspective on the
environmental footprint.
 Environmental Impact
Categories in Green Chemistry
1.Energy Consumption:

• Green chemistry aims to reduce energy consumption by optimizing

reaction conditions, utilizing renewable energy sources, and improving

overall process efficiency.

• LCA helps quantify energy use and identify areas for improvement.

2. Resource Depletion:

• Assessing the extraction and utilization of raw materials is crucial.

• Green chemistry seeks sustainable alternatives, incorporating

renewable resources and minimizing the depletion of finite materials.

3. Emissions and Air Quality:

• LCA evaluates emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

• Green chemistry endeavors to minimize emissions through

the development of cleaner, more efficient processes and the
use of environmentally benign solvents and catalysts.

4. Water Usage and Pollution:

• Green chemistry considers water consumption and

contamination.

• LCA helps identify opportunities to reduce water usage and

implement water recycling, mitigating the impact on aquatic
ecosystems.
5. Waste Generation

• Minimizing waste is a core principle of green chemistry.

• LCA assesses the type and volume of waste generated, encouraging

the development of processes that produce fewer by-products or

waste that can be easily managed or recycled.

CASE STUDY: Green Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals:

• Consider the synthesis of pharmaceuticals using green

chemistry principles.

• LCA of a drug’s production would include evaluating the raw

materials, synthetic routes, energy consumption, waste

generation, and disposal methods.

• Green chemistry approaches, such as using renewable

feedstocks, reducing hazardous reagents, and implementing

efficient catalysis, contribute to a lower environmental

impact throughout the life cycle of the pharmaceutical

product.
 Toxic Organic
Chemicals persistence,
bioaccumulation, toxicity.

• Toxic organic chemicals in the environment pose significant

challenges to ecosystems, human health, and overall

environmental quality.

• Toxic organic chemicals are compounds containing carbon

atoms that have the potential to harm living organisms and

ecosystems due to their toxic properties.

• Can originate from natural sources or result from human

activities- industrial processes, agriculture, and improper

waste disposal.
 Examples of Toxic Organic Chemicals
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

• PCBs were once widely used as insulating fluids in electrical

transformers and capacitors.

• Despite being banned, PCBs persist in the environment due to their

resistance to degradation.

• They can accumulate in sediments, aquatic organisms, and even in

the fatty tissues of animals, posing risks to both wildlife and
humans
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

• PAHs are a group of compounds formed during the incomplete

combustion of organic matter, such as fossil fuels and wood.

• Found in air, water, and soil, PAHs are known for their carcinogenic
properties.

• They can contaminate urban environments and are often associated

with activities like vehicle emissions and industrial processes
Chlorinated Solvents

• Compounds such as trichloroethylene

(TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE)
are chlorinated solvents commonly
used in industrial processes and dry
cleaning.

• These solvents can contaminate

groundwater, posing risks to human
health through ingestion or
inhalation.

• Remediation of chlorinated solvent

contamination is often challenging
due to their persistence.
Organophosphate Pesticides

•Widely used in agriculture, organophosphate pesticides can

contaminate soil and water, impacting ecosystems and potentially

harming non-target organisms.

•These chemicals inhibit cholinesterase enzymes and can lead to

acute poisoning in humans and wildlife.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

•VOCs encompass a wide range of organic chemicals that easily

evaporate into the air.

•Examples include benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.

•Released from industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and household

products, VOCs can contribute to air pollution and have adverse health

effects.
Environmental Impact and Concerns

-Damages ecosystems

-Contaminates water sources

- Adversely affects health in both wildlife and humans

• Bioaccumulation in the food chain can lead to higher

concentrations of these chemicals in organisms at higher
trophic levels, posing significant risks to top predators,
including humans.

• Recognizing the sources, characteristics, and potential

impacts of these substances is a crucial step toward
developing strategies for pollution prevention, remediation,
and sustainable practices.