Green chemistry , also known as sustainable chemistry, refers to environmentally friendly chemicals and processes that result in: reduced waste, eliminating costly end-of-the-pipe treatments; safer products; and reduced use of energy and resources—all improving the competitiveness of chemical manufacturers and their customers.

It includes:

• Design of alternative synthetic pathways for new or existing chemicals which do not utilize toxic reagents or solvents or do not produce toxic by-products or co-products.
• Design or redesign of useful chemicals and materials such that they are less toxic to health and the environment or safer with regard to accident potential.

Appropriate areas of investigation^{[expansion needed]} include: chemical synthesis and catalysis; analysis and detection; separation processes; and reaction mechanisms.

Examples include:

• Use of innovative methods such as catalysis and biocatalysis; photochemistry or biomimetic synthesis; and use of alternative starting

materials which are innocuous or renewable.

• Use of creative reaction conditions, such as using solvents which have a reduced impact on health and the environment or increasing reaction selectivity thus reducing wastes and emissions.

Note on available content.^[1]

Notes

External links

• Wikipedia:Green chemistry
• Green chemistry at NSF (note this is a public domain site, except where noted, so the content can be ported here.)

References

U.S EPA