Atom economy

Definition

Atom economy is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction in terms of the proportion of reactants that become useful products. A higher atom economy indicates that a greater percentage of the starting materials are incorporated into the final product, which is crucial for sustainable practices and minimizing waste in chemical processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atom economy is calculated using the formula: ext{Atom Economy} = rac{ ext{Molar mass of desired product}}{ ext{Sum of molar masses of all reactants}} imes 100\% .
2. Reactions with low atom economy often produce a significant amount of by-products, leading to increased waste and higher costs for disposal or treatment.
3. High atom economy is particularly important in sustainable polymer production, where resource efficiency can lead to lower environmental impact.
4. The concept encourages chemists to design reactions that not only optimize yield but also minimize the generation of unwanted materials.
5. Incorporating atom economy into process development can also enhance economic viability by reducing raw material costs and improving overall process sustainability.

Review Questions

• How does atom economy relate to the principles of green chemistry?
  • Atom economy is a fundamental concept in green chemistry as it directly addresses the efficiency and sustainability of chemical reactions. By maximizing atom economy, chemists can ensure that more starting materials are converted into useful products rather than waste. This approach aligns with green chemistry's goal of minimizing hazardous substances and reducing environmental impact, making atom economy a key factor in developing sustainable chemical processes.
• Evaluate the impact of high atom economy on the production processes in the context of polymer science.
  • High atom economy significantly improves production processes in polymer science by ensuring that a greater percentage of reactants contribute directly to the final polymer product. This efficiency reduces waste, leading to cost savings in raw materials and processing. Furthermore, adopting high atom economy practices fosters environmental sustainability by minimizing harmful by-products, enhancing the overall appeal and feasibility of new polymer developments.
• Assess how improving atom economy can influence the economic and environmental aspects of industrial chemical processes.
  • Improving atom economy in industrial chemical processes can lead to substantial economic benefits by lowering material costs and reducing waste management expenses. Environmentally, higher atom economy contributes to decreased pollution and resource depletion by ensuring that more atoms from raw materials are utilized effectively. This dual focus on economic viability and environmental protection not only enhances compliance with regulations but also appeals to consumers increasingly concerned about sustainability.

Related terms

Green Chemistry: Green chemistry refers to the design of chemical processes and products that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Molecular Efficiency: Molecular efficiency is a concept related to how well a chemical reaction utilizes its starting materials to produce desired products, closely tied to atom economy.

Waste Minimization: Waste minimization involves strategies aimed at reducing the amount and toxicity of waste generated during chemical processes, aligning with principles of sustainability.