Is there a role for green and sustainable chemistry in chemical disarmament and nonproliferation?

Recent years have seen a disheartening string of revelations in which everyday items once considered safe—food packaging, toys, clothes, furniture, electronic components, and many more products—are found to contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful chemicals.1 Growing demand for healthier alternatives, already seen in food production and housing construction,2 is also happening at the building-block level of manufacturing, where so-called green chemistry represents a revolutionary change in preventing pollution and health problems starting at the chemical design stage. Many industry and government entities are beginning to espouse the principles of green chemistry on their websites and in public statements. Now comes the task of crafting policy to put those principles into action. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green chemistry as “the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, and use.”3 Green chemistry also aims to mitigate the type of uncertainty Alan Gold-berg, a professor of toxicology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, recently described to The New York Times: “I can get [toxicity] information on only 20 percent of chemicals we interact with on a daily basis.”4 Of that 20%, he now says, he may be able to find information on overt toxicity for about half, but for details on specific effects such as developmental neurotoxicity, the figure shrinks toward zero. So what does green chemistry look like? Consider the example of pregabalin, the active ingredient in the neuropathic pain drug Lyrica®. Pfizer developed an alternative green-chemistry process that converted several steps of pregabalin synthesis from use of organic solvents to water. That reduced both health hazards and production heating requirements. With the new synthesis, waste from the process dropped from 86 kg of waste per kg product to 17 kg, and energy use dropped by 82%.5 Proponents say that’s how the field can offer a win–win–win solution: good performance, lower cost, and less environmental impact—what Richard Engler, program manager of the EPA Green Chemistry Program, calls the “triple bottom line.” For many, a standard is a logical next step. “At some point you have to go beyond a definition and principles,” says Engler. “I think that’s something the standard will enable.”

A special green chemistry course was offered at Grand Valley State University, GVSU, in 2006. Among other assignments, students designed an electronic survey probing the knowledge and the interest in learning about green chemistry. Over 1600 students responded. The responses to the questions “where did you hear about green chemistry” clearly showed the lack of green chemistry inclusion into the curricular program GVSU at that time. Under the driving force of the students’ interest and the imperative need to feel the gap between the traditional content of industrial processes teaching and the principles of green chemistry, we were compelled to change. The result is a new course, Green Chemistry and Industrial Processes, based on green industrial applications. It is a bridge between the principles of green chemistry and industrial processes currently in use, between traditional topics and real-life cases, provided by the global and the local economy. Partnership with local area businesses constitutes an ideal ground for challenging the students’ ability to analyze and understand the existing problems and to develop their critical thinking, while finding creative solutions. This communication summarizes one of the invited papers to the spring 2010 online ConfChem Conference on Educating the Next Generation: Green and Sustainable Chemistry, held from May 7 to June 30, 2010. ConfChem conferences are hosted by the ACS DivCHED Committee on Computers in Chemical Education (CCCE).

Chapter 8 - Introductory chapter: Understanding green chemistry principles for extraction of green solvents

Traditional chemistry is undergoing a transition process towards a sustained paradigm shift under the principles of green chemistry. Green chemistry is emerging as a pillar of modern chemistry focused on sustainability. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyse green chemistry research and its contributions using quantity, quality, and structural indicators. For this purpose, data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science through a structured search equation for the study period, i.e., 2012 to 2022. These data were compiled and processed in Microsoft Excel version 2307, totalling 2450 records. VOSviewer software, version 1.6.18, was used to map the keyword network and for overlay and density visualisations. The results showed that green chemistry is constantly increasing in different fields of knowledge, with new studies in green solvents, eutectic solvents, and education for sustainable development. The number of publications peaked in 2019, slightly decreasing in subsequent years due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As visualised through VOSviewer, the keyword “sustainability” is connected to all clusters, and green synthesis, catalysis, sustainability, curriculum, and higher degrees are leading trends in green chemistry research. The study could benefit researchers and professionals interested in green chemistry and sustainability.

The need to develop environmentally friendly analytical approaches has driven the pharmaceutical industry to seek greener alternatives. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) is known for its efficiency but traditionally relies on toxic solvents. Integrating Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) principles aims to address environmental concerns while maintaining analytical performance. This work aims to advance and authenticate a green, efficient UPLC method for the concurrent quantification of Metformin (MET) and Empagliflozin (EPI) in tablet formulations, adhering to green chemistry principles and ensuring high analytical accuracy. The method was optimized using a UPLC-PDA system with a phenyl column and a mobile phase of ethanol and perchloric acid. Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) was employed to optimize critical method parameters. Environmental impact was assessed using metrics such as GAPI, AMGS, and AGREE. Degradation studies under various stress conditions were performed to test method robustness. The method achieved high recovery rates for MET and EPI, with minimal interference from excipients. The environmental evaluation showed a high Analytical Eco-Score (AES) of 97, indicating low environmental impact. The AGREE score of 0.89 confirmed excellent alignment with green chemistry principles. Degradation studies confirmed the method's stability and reliability under stress conditions. The developed UPLC method demonstrates a significant advancement in analytical sustainability, offering an eco-friendly, efficient, and precise approach to drug analysis. The method's high alignment with green chemistry principles and its effectiveness in quantifying MET and EPI highlight its potential as a model for sustainable analytical practices in pharmaceutical analysis.

Everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious and therefore, chemical processes are being developed with their environmental burden in mind. This also means that more traditional chemical methods are being replaced with new innovations and this includes new solvents. Solvents are everywhere, but how necessary are they? They are used in most areas including synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical production and processing, the food and flavour industry and the materials and coatings sectors. However, the principles of green chemistry guide us to use less of them, or to use safer, more environmentally friendly solvents if they are essential. Therefore, we should always ask ourselves, do we really need a solvent? Green chemistry, as a relatively new sub-discipline, is a rapidly growing field of research. Alternative solvents - including supercritical fluids and room temperature ionic liquids - form a significant portion of research in green chemistry. This is in part due to the hazards of many conventional solvents (e.g. toxicity and flammability) and the significant contribution that solvents make to the waste generated in many chemical processes. Solvents are important in analytical chemistry, product purification, extraction and separation technologies, and also in the modification of materials. Therefore, in order to make chemistry more sustainable in these fields, a knowledge of alternative, greener solvents is important. This book, which is part of a green chemistry series, uses examples that tie in with the 12 principles of green chemistry e.g. atom efficient reactions in benign solvents and processing of renewable chemicals/materials in green solvents. Readers get an overview of the many different kinds of solvents, written in such a way to make the book appropriate to newcomers to the field and prepare them for the 'green choices' available. The book also removes some of the mystique associated with 'alternative solvent' choices and includes information on solvents in different fields of chemistry such as analytical and materials chemistry in addition to catalysis and synthesis. The latest research developments, not covered elsewhere, are included such as switchable solvents and biosolvents. Also, some important areas that are often overlooked are described such as naturally sourced solvents (including ethanol and ethyl lactate) and liquid polymers (including poly(ethyleneglycol) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)). As well as these additional alternative solvents being included, the book takes a more general approach to solvents, not just focusing on the use of solvents in synthetic chemistry. Applications of solvents in areas such as analysis are overviewed in addition to the more widely recognised uses of alternative solvents in organic synthesis. Unfortunately, as the book shows, there is no universal green solvent and readers must ascertain their best options based on prior chemistry, cost, environmental benefits and other factors. It is important to try and minimize the number of solvent changes in a chemical process and therefore, the importance of solvents in product purification, extraction and separation technologies are highlighted. The book is aimed at newcomers to the field whether research students beginning investigations towards their thesis or industrial researchers curious to find out if an alternative solvent would be suitable in their work.

Everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious and therefore, chemical processes are being developed with their environmental burden in mind. This also means that more traditional chemical methods are being replaced with new innovations and this includes new solvents. Solvents are everywhere, but how necessary are they? They are used in most areas including synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical production and processing, the food and flavour industry and the materials and coatings sectors. However, the principles of green chemistry guide us to use less of them, or to use safer, more environmentally friendly solvents if they are essential. Therefore, we should always ask ourselves, do we really need a solvent? Green chemistry, as a relatively new sub-discipline, is a rapidly growing field of research. Alternative solvents - including supercritical fluids and room temperature ionic liquids - form a significant portion of research in green chemistry. This is in part due to the hazards of many conventional solvents (e.g. toxicity and flammability) and the significant contribution that solvents make to the waste generated in many chemical processes. Solvents are important in analytical chemistry, product purification, extraction and separation technologies, and also in the modification of materials. Therefore, in order to make chemistry more sustainable in these fields, a knowledge of alternative, greener solvents is important. This book, which is part of a green chemistry series, uses examples that tie in with the 12 principles of green chemistry e.g. atom efficient reactions in benign solvents and processing of renewable chemicals/materials in green solvents. Readers get an overview of the many different kinds of solvents, written in such a way to make the book appropriate to newcomers to the field and prepare them for the 'green choices' available. The book also removes some of the mystique associated with 'alternative solvent' choices and includes information on solvents in different fields of chemistry such as analytical and materials chemistry in addition to catalysis and synthesis. The latest research developments, not covered elsewhere, are included such as switchable solvents and biosolvents. Also, some important areas that are often overlooked are described such as naturally sourced solvents (including ethanol and ethyl lactate) and liquid polymers (including poly(ethyleneglycol) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)). As well as these additional alternative solvents being included, the book takes a more general approach to solvents, not just focusing on the use of solvents in synthetic chemistry. Applications of solvents in areas such as analysis are overviewed in addition to the more widely recognised uses of alternative solvents in organic synthesis. Unfortunately, as the book shows, there is no universal green solvent and readers must ascertain their best options based on prior chemistry, cost, environmental benefits and other factors. It is important to try and minimize the number of solvent changes in a chemical process and therefore, the importance of solvents in product purification, extraction and separation technologies are highlighted. The book is aimed at newcomers to the field whether research students beginning investigations towards their thesis or industrial researchers curious to find out if an alternative solvent would be suitable in their work.

Environmental issues are increasingly of global concern. The trend of sustainable development requires chemistry to be “clean” or “green.” In the 1990s, therefore, the concept of “Green Chemistry” was proposed, together with the “Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry.” These twelve principles encompassed the premise of green chemistry but mainly focused on the aspects of synthetic chemistry. For green chemistry in the analytical laboratory, the concept of Green Analytical Chemistry was subsequently proposed, but it has not yet become a popular field of chemistry. Apparently, green analytical chemistry is a key part of green chemistry and an important trend in analytical chemistry in modern society. It is an emerging area of increasing importance both in green chemistry and in analytical chemistry. In this report, green analytical chemistry is systematically discussed and then defined with seven principles. Firstly, the aspects of green analytical chemistry are discussed in detail with regard to the whole analytical process; i.e., from sample collection, sample preparation, to sample analysis, and some other related issues such as process analysis. Secondly, some naturally green or possibly green analytical techniques are discussed. Presently, spectroscopic methods dominate the area of green analytical chemistry. The purpose of this report is to arouse more attention to green analytical chemistry to serve the sustainable development of the modern society.

Green chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on minimizing hazardous substances and promoting sustainable alternatives in chemical processes to conventional chemical processes and products. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental principles, historical development, and practical applications of green chemistry with a particular emphasis on its role in advancing sustainable chemical synthesis, analytical methodologies, and industrial practices. Originating from the environmental activism of the 1960 s inspired by Rachel Carson's"Silent Spring,"green chemistry was formally established in the 1990 s through the 12 principles set by Paul Anastas and John C. Warner. These principles emphasize waste prevention, atomic economy, reducing hazardous chemicals, and using renewable raw materials. Green chemistry significantly impacts sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and education. In the pharmaceutical industry, it fosters environmentally safer analytical methods. The cosmetics sector benefits from biodegradable materials, while educational institutions implement sustainable waste management and laboratory practices. International conferences and academic publications have advanced global awareness of green chemistry, promoting sustainability goals like reducing environmental impacts, optimizing resource use, and minimizing waste. A key focus of this study is the green synthesis of nanoparticles which has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional synthesis methods that often rely on toxic reagents Plant-derived biomolecules serve as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These eco-friendly approaches eliminate the hazardous chemicals while yielding biocompatible nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial and catalytic properties, demonstrating their potential in nanotechnology and biomedical applications. Additionally, green analytical chemistry has revolutionized chemical monitoring by implementing solvent-free methodologies, real-time pollution tracking, and waste minimization techniques. The integration of green chemistry into academic and industrial settings has played a critical role in addressing global challenges such as environmental pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. This review highlights the necessity of widespread adoption of green chemistry principles to ensure economic sustainability, regulatory compliance, and scientific innovation. Future research should focus on optimizing green synthetic techniques, addressing scalability challenges, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future.Graphical abstract

Vol. 113, No. 11 EnvironewsOpen AccessEHPnet: Greener Education Materials for Chemists Erin E. Dooley Erin E. Dooley Search for more papers by this author Published:1 November 2005https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.113-a737AboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InReddit Green chemistry aims in part to help clean up chemical processing by reducing or eliminating toxic elements from production and use. One university at the forefront of the movement is the University of Oregon, which has developed a website, Greener Education Materials for Chemists (GEMS), to educate teachers on introducing green chemistry concepts to their students. Although the site, located at http://greenchem.uoregon.edu/gems.html, currently contains only materials for university-level education, the developers hope to eventually include content for K–12 teachers.The site consists of a database of print resources, which visitors can search using free text or by selecting search terms from seven categories, including chemistry concepts, laboratory techniques, green chemistry principles, and chemistry sub-disciplines. Each item in the database has an overview that summarizes its content and its connection to green chemistry as well as contact information for the person that contributed the material to the database.The different types of material that are currently available on the site, which is partially funded by the National Science Foundation, include laboratory exercises, lecture materials, course syllabi, and multimedia content. To aid educators in determining which materials best suit their needs, threaded discussions will soon be included for each item. Here educators will be able to discuss how they integrated materials into their lesson plans and relate their success in using them.The site, unveiled in June 2005 at an American Chemical Society meeting, was developed by a partnership between the university’s Green Chemistry Group and Center for Educational Technologies. Students and high school teachers were involved in the design of the site, as were more than 100 college instructors who attended national green chemistry education workshops at the university. The site’s developers have provided information on the site advising people how to contribute material to the database. They are also looking for educators to evaluate materials, test laboratory procedures, and adapt content for varying age groups. The developers want the web-site to be as inclusive as possible so it can serve as many grade levels and subject areas as possible.A link to information about the university’s Green Chemistry Center is sited in the toolbar at the top of the homepage. Here visitors can find an overview of the program’s work in developing undergraduate green chemistry curricula, the history of the program, and media coverage. A description of Green Organic Chemistry: Tools, Strategies and Laboratory Experiments, a textbook/laboratory manual released in 2004 for the undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory, is available from this page as well.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 113, No. 11 November 2005Metrics About Article Metrics Publication History Originally published1 November 2005Published in print1 November 2005 Financial disclosuresPDF download License information EHP is an open-access journal published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. All content is public domain unless otherwise noted. Note to readers with disabilities EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact [email protected]. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.

Green chemistry which is the latest and one of the most researched topics now days has been in demand since 1990’s. Majority of research in green chemistry aims to reduce the energy consumption required for the production of desired product whether it may be any drug, dyes and other chemical compounds. It aims to reduce or even eliminates the production of any harmful bi-products and maximizing the desired product without compromising with the environment. The three key developments in green chemistry include use of super critical carbon di oxide as green solvent, aqueous hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent and use of hydrogen in asymmetric synthesis. It also focuses on replacing traditional methods of heating with that of modern methods of heating like microwave radiations so that carbon footprint should be reduces as low as possible. This review emphasize on principle, methodology and recent applications of green chemistry. © 2011 IGJPS. All rights reserved.

The acceleration of industrialization was a turning point in the development of the global economy. Social movements have revolutionized green chemistry since the 1940s and brought about changes in industrial positions and sustainable processes with breakthroughs in environmental effect and population and company awareness. The 12 principles of Green Chemistry were proposed by Paul Anastas and John Warner in the 1990s. These principles center on the reduction or elimination of harmful solvents from chemical analyses and processes, as well as the avoidance of residue production. The creation of analytical techniques, which gave rise to the field known as "Green Analytical Chemistry," is one of the most active areas of research and development in green chemistry. This paper describes the multifaceted effects of green chemistry on pharmaceutical analysts, the environment, the public, analysts, and companies. Every decision and mindset have an impact on the finished product as well as everything around it. This work also considers the future of green chemistry, our future, and the environment.

Evolution of green chemistry and its multidimensional impacts: A review

Essentially all methods of energy production—e.g., fracking, damming, drilling, nuclear fission, and excavation of rare elements for photovoltaics—are associated with some degree of environmental degradation. Organic solar cells (OSCs) are regarded as low-cost and potentially environmentally benign sources of power. π-Conjugated (semiconducting) polymers—the components of OSCs responsible for absorbing light and transporting charge—are not typically synthesized in laboratories in ways that are amenable to manufacturing with low environmental impact. This article discusses strategies for producing conjugated polymers using green chemistry. That is, reaction methodology with low energy intensity, with minimal production of toxic waste, and at low cost. This article briefly reviews the major findings in the literature on the energy intensity and carbon emissions associated with fabricating OSCs on the laboratory scale, and identifies several strategies and materials invented by the community to lower the cost and environmental impact of the components of the devices. The principles of green chemistry, applied to the synthesis of conjugated polymers, are identified as important guidelines for the multi-tonne manufacturing of these materials. A general theme in both green chemistry and process research is that low cost can be correlated to environmental benignity when the costs of disposing wastes are high. This Perspective then highlights five synthetic strategies that satisfy several of the criteria of green chemistry: (1) polymerization using metal-mediated cross-coupling reactions that reduce or eliminate stoichiometric organotin waste; (2) the use of heterogeneously catalyzed polymerizations; (3) polymerization involving activation of C–H bonds; (4) use of biofeedstock-derived starting materials; and (5) polycondensation reactions that evolve water as a byproduct.

Determination of parabens in different samples using green analytical chemistry approaches since 2015