Atom economy

Definition

Atom economy is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction in terms of how well the reactants are converted into useful products. It is calculated by comparing the molecular weight of the desired products to the total molecular weight of all reactants used, expressed as a percentage. High atom economy indicates that a larger proportion of the reactants are transformed into valuable end products, which aligns with principles aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in chemical engineering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atom economy is particularly important in green chemistry because it helps identify processes that minimize waste and environmental impact.
2. High atom economy is often associated with reactions that produce fewer byproducts, making them more efficient and economically viable.
3. The concept encourages the use of alternative reaction pathways and methodologies that can lead to improved atom utilization.
4. Calculating atom economy helps chemists evaluate and compare different synthetic routes for producing chemicals, guiding decision-making toward more sustainable options.
5. Reactions with high atom economy can lead to reduced costs in raw materials and waste disposal, making them favorable from both an environmental and economic standpoint.

Review Questions

• How does atom economy relate to the principles of green chemistry?
  • Atom economy is a critical concept within green chemistry as it measures how efficiently reactants are converted into valuable products while minimizing waste. A higher atom economy indicates that more atoms from the reactants end up in the desired products, aligning with green chemistry's goal of reducing hazardous waste. By focusing on reactions with better atom economy, chemists can develop more sustainable processes that benefit both the environment and economic efficiency.
• What are some methods that can improve atom economy in chemical processes, and why are they significant?
  • Improving atom economy can be achieved through several methods such as using catalysts to drive reactions toward desired products or selecting reactants that produce fewer byproducts. Additionally, employing alternative reaction pathways or greener solvents can enhance atom utilization. These improvements are significant because they contribute to more sustainable practices in chemical engineering, reducing waste generation and promoting resource efficiency in industrial processes.
• Evaluate the impact of low atom economy reactions on sustainable development goals in chemical engineering.
  • Low atom economy reactions negatively impact sustainable development goals by generating excessive waste and consuming more resources than necessary. Such inefficiencies can lead to increased environmental pollution and higher costs for raw materials and waste management. By prioritizing reactions with high atom economy, chemical engineers can better align their practices with sustainability goals, contributing to a reduction in ecological footprints and fostering responsible production methods for future generations.

Related terms

Green chemistry: Green chemistry refers to the design of chemical processes and products that minimize the generation of hazardous substances, emphasizing sustainability and environmental protection.

Yield: Yield is the amount of product obtained from a chemical reaction, often expressed as a percentage of the theoretical maximum amount that could be produced based on the starting materials.

Sustainable development: Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth and progress that seeks to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, including in the field of chemical engineering.