Green Chemistry Metrics

Abstract

This chapter reviews how the barriers have been tackled with the green aspiration level (GAL), and exemplifies the new methodology with Pfizer's Viagra and Boehringer Ingelheim's Pradaxa manufacturing processes. The use of GAL together with the Green Scorecard provide a harmonized metrics system that could be used to predict the greenest of chemical processes not only for drugs, but also advanced intermediates and raw materials. Green chemistry metrics have used by industry to track and improve performance in their internal supply chain operations. The initial considerations for environment in synthetic planning, and thus the first environmental green chemistry metrics, can be traced to Trost and Sheldon who went beyond synthesis design and assessed efficiency through Atom Economy (AE) and Environmental impact factor (E factor). The Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) concept emerged from the field of green chemistry with intent to motivate development of analytical methods that minimize solvents and hazards, and maximize operator safety.