Greener Reagents and Processes

Let us examine two more examples of green chemistry in action. 

Hydroquinone, HO—CgH4—OH, is a common intermediate used to make polymers. The standard industrial route to hydroquinone, used until recently, yields many by-products that are treated as waste  

Using the principles of green chemistry, researchers have improved this process. The new process for hydroquinone production uses a new starting material. Two of the byproducts of the new reaction (shown in green) can be isolated and used to make the new starting material. 

The new process is an example of atom economy, a phrase that means that a high percentage of the atoms from the starting materials end up in the product. 

What other reaction conditions couid you change to make hydroquinone 

Where might there be room to make changes in this process that would make hydroquinone production even greener  

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Minimize, or eliminate, the risks from these hazards by reducing scale, substituting safer (greener) chemicals used as solvents and reagents, and designing processes that are inherently safer and eliminate, or produce biodegradable, wastes. 

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