Green chemistry toxicity reduction

Electrochemical processes are often touted as being green chemistry because electricity is considered inexpensive, and toxic metal reagents are usually avoided. Electrochemical processes have produced tons of bulk chemicals [37], the best-known of which may be adiponitrile from reductive dimerization of acrylonitrile (Figure 13.17) [38]. An electrochemical synthesis to manufacture fenoprofen is shown in Figure 13.18, with the magnesium provided as a sacrificial electrode [39], Flow cell technology has been used for these operations on a commercial basis. 

Fulfilment of the requirements of green chemistry , such as atom-efficiency, the avoidance of waste, toxic and dangerous chemicals, better performing compounds, their biodegradability, eco-compatible solvents (H2O, supercritical CO2), energy reduction, and renewable materials, will be the fourth path for the future of phosgene chemistry. 

In contrast to exposure reduction, green chemistry relies on hazard reduction. The first step in hazard reduction is to know what the hazards are and where they originate. Hazards may arise from the raw materials used, the media (solvents) in which chemical processes are carried out, the catalysts that enable chemical reactions to occur, and by-products. The direct hazards posed to workers in a chemical process fall into the two main categories of toxicity hazards and hazards associated with uncontrolled events such as fires and explosions. 

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