Developments in green chemistry

In 2005, Ryoji Noyori identified three key developments in green chemistry  

Examples of applied green chemistry are supercritical water oxidation, on water reactions, and dry media reactions. 

Bioengineering is also seen as a promising technique for achieving green chemistry goals. A number of important process chemicals can be synthesized in engineered organisms, such as shikimate, a Tamiflu precursor which is fermented by Roche in bacteria. 

There is some debate as to whether green chemistry includes a consideration of economics, but by definition, if green chemistry is not applied, it cannot accomplish the reduction in the use or generation of hazardous substances. Paul Anastas, then of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and John C. Warner developed 12 principles of green chemistry, which help to explain what the definition means in practice. The principles cover such concepts as  

It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it is formed. 

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We have pointed out future direetions for curriculum development in green chemistry in a previous review. Key areas that need addressing in a broader sense in green chemistry edueation include the following ... 

A great deal of the environmental concern associated with chemical manufacture comes from not merely the chemicals that are made or the chemicals from which they are made, but from all of the substances associated with their manufacture. In the manufacture, processing, formulation and use of chemical products, there are a variety of associated substances that contribute to the environmental loading from chemical manufacture. The most visible of these associated substances are the solvents used in reaction media, separations and formulations. Many solvents, especially the widely used volatile organic solvents, have come under increased scrutiny and regulatory restriction based on concerns for their toxicity and their contributions to air and water pollution. It is for these economic and environmental reasons that much of the research and development in Green Chemistry reaction conditions is focussed on alternative solvents. 

Chapter 14 discusses the recent impact of biocatalysis in green chemistry and chemical development. 

In conclusion, we reiterate that photoinitiated reactions have a dramatic advantage with respect to thermal reactions, since light is the green reagent par excellence. If we consider the possibihty that such reactions will be apphed in the foreseeable future, and in particular whether they will contribute to the development of green chemistry, we can conclude that there are both indisputable advantages and difficult to solve problems. 

MEGREC constitutes a platform for the development of research and training in green chemistry in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, with focus on water management, the exploitation of local natural resources, the production and use of fertilizers, and monitoring and reducing the presence of toxic compounds in the food chain. With a clear focus on priorities for local areas, but with the extended know-how of all the partners. 

A starting point for Cann was the development of the book Real World Cases in Green Chemistry with coauthor Marc Connelly. They designed the book to be used in a variety of ways. It contains descriptions of 10 projects that have won or been nominated for Presidential Green Ghemistry Ghallenge awards. The book can also serve as a resource for... 

In addition to the resources listed above, ACS continues to develop new resources such as new textbooks infused with green chemistiy business school case studies being conducted to emphasize the connection between green chemistry and economics and other user driven tools. Parent concluded that students are our greatest resource in green chemistry education and developing them should be our key goal. ... 

The second level of intention will accentuate the role of solvents in the present state and future development of green chemistry. This discussion will include practical and teleological discussions vis a vis the environmental concerns important to individuals using solvents. Enough information will be provided for the reader to be able to determine how to evaluate a solvent s appropriateness to green chemistry, in particular applications. 

The EPA and the American Chemical Society (ACS) have played a major role in promoting research and development, as well as education, in green chemistry. In 2000 the GCI became a partner of the ACS. Chemical societies around the globe have recognized the importance of green chemistry and promote it through journals, conferences, educational activities, and the formation of GCI chapters. There are GCI chapter affiliates all over the world. 

Concerns over the pollution of natural resources such as this valley in Zion National Park, Utah prompted the development of green chemistry in the 1990s. 

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