Atom Economy

Definition

Atom economy, also known as atom efficiency, is a concept in chemistry that measures the efficiency of a chemical reaction by quantifying the amount of the reactant atoms that are incorporated into the desired product. It is an important consideration in the design and evaluation of chemical processes, as it helps minimize waste and improve the sustainability of chemical transformations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atom economy is calculated as the ratio of the molecular weight of the desired product to the sum of the molecular weights of all the reactants, expressed as a percentage.
2. Reactions with high atom economy are generally preferred over those with low atom economy, as they generate less waste and are more environmentally friendly.
3. Atom economy is an important consideration in the development of new chemical processes, as it can guide the selection of reactants, solvents, and reaction conditions to maximize the efficiency of the transformation.
4. Improving atom economy can lead to cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and more sustainable chemical manufacturing.
5. Atom economy is a key principle of green chemistry, which aims to design chemical products and processes that are safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible.

Review Questions

• Explain how atom economy is calculated and why it is an important consideration in chemical reactions.
  • Atom economy is calculated as the ratio of the molecular weight of the desired product to the sum of the molecular weights of all the reactants, expressed as a percentage. It is an important consideration because reactions with high atom economy generate less waste and are more environmentally friendly. Reactions with high atom economy are generally preferred, as they can lead to cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and more sustainable chemical manufacturing.
• Describe the relationship between atom economy and the principles of green chemistry.
  • Atom economy is a key principle of green chemistry, which aims to design chemical products and processes that are safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible. Improving atom economy can help minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances, reduce waste, and enhance the sustainability of chemical transformations. By focusing on maximizing atom economy, chemists can develop more environmentally friendly and cost-effective chemical processes that align with the goals of green chemistry.
• Analyze how the concept of atom economy can be used to guide the design and optimization of chemical reactions, particularly in the context of 4.4 Reaction Yields.
  • The concept of atom economy can be used to guide the design and optimization of chemical reactions, particularly in the context of 4.4 Reaction Yields. By considering atom economy, chemists can select reactants, solvents, and reaction conditions that maximize the efficiency of the transformation and minimize waste. This can lead to higher reaction yields, as more of the starting materials are incorporated into the desired product. Optimizing atom economy can also help improve the overall sustainability of the chemical process, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Related terms

Reaction Yield: Reaction yield is the amount of product obtained from a chemical reaction, expressed as a percentage of the theoretical maximum amount of product that could be formed.

Stoichiometry: Stoichiometry is the calculation of the quantities of reactants and products in a chemical reaction based on the balanced chemical equation.

Green Chemistry: Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances, with the goal of minimizing the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing.