Atom economy

Definition

Atom economy is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction in terms of how well it incorporates reactants into the final product. A higher atom economy indicates that a greater proportion of the starting materials are converted into useful products, minimizing waste and aligning with principles of green chemistry and sustainable processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atom economy is calculated using the formula: $$\text{Atom Economy} = \frac{\text{Molar mass of desired product}}{\text{Total molar mass of reactants}} \times 100$$.
2. Reactions with low atom economy often produce a significant amount of by-products, which can be harmful to the environment.
3. Improving atom economy not only reduces waste but also can lead to cost savings in raw materials and disposal fees.
4. High atom economy is particularly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where maximizing yield is essential for economic and environmental reasons.
5. Atom economy is one of the key metrics evaluated when designing chemical syntheses to ensure they align with green chemistry principles.

Review Questions

• How does atom economy contribute to evaluating the sustainability of chemical reactions?
  • Atom economy is crucial for assessing the sustainability of chemical reactions because it directly relates to how efficiently reactants are transformed into useful products. A high atom economy indicates that most starting materials are incorporated into the final product, thereby reducing waste. This aligns with green chemistry principles, which emphasize minimizing hazardous substances and environmental impact, ultimately supporting more sustainable practices in chemical manufacturing.
• Discuss the relationship between atom economy and waste minimization in industrial chemistry.
  • The relationship between atom economy and waste minimization is significant in industrial chemistry. High atom economy means that a larger percentage of reactants are converted into desired products rather than by-products, leading to less waste. This not only helps companies reduce their environmental footprint but also lowers costs associated with waste disposal and raw material procurement, promoting overall efficiency in production processes.
• Evaluate how improving atom economy can influence the economic viability of pharmaceutical development.
  • Improving atom economy can greatly enhance the economic viability of pharmaceutical development by increasing the yield of desired products from given reactants. Higher yields translate to reduced costs for raw materials and lower waste disposal expenses, making the overall process more cost-effective. Additionally, as regulations regarding environmental impact become stricter, companies focusing on high atom economy will be better positioned to comply with these standards while maintaining profitability. This strategic alignment not only benefits individual companies but also contributes to a more sustainable industry overall.

Related terms

Green Chemistry: A field of chemistry focused on designing chemical processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Sustainable Processes: Methods of production that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often emphasizing resource efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Waste Minimization:

Strategies aimed at reducing the amount of waste generated during a chemical reaction or manufacturing process, promoting efficiency and environmental responsibility.