Future Outlook of Green Chemistry

Abstract

Chemistry brought about medical revolution till about the middle of twentieth century in which drugs and antibiotics were discovered. The world’s food supply also increased enormously due to the discovery of hybrid varieties, improved methods of farming, better seeds, and use of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The eminence of life on earth became much better because of the innovation of dyes, plastics, cosmetics and other materials. Rapidly, the ailing effects of chemistry also became prominent, main among them being the pollution of land, water and atmosphere. This is caused primarily due to the effects of by-products of chemistry industries, which are being discharged into the air, rivers/oceans and the land. The hazardous waste released additions to the problem. The use of toxic reactants and reagents also make the situation worse. The pollution reached such levels that different governments made laws to minimize it. This distinct the commencement of Green Chemistry by the middle of 29^th century. Green Chemistry is defined as environmentally kindly chemistry. The synthetic methods are planned in such a manner that there is least pollution to the environment. As on today, greatest pollution to the environment is caused by various chemical industries. The cost involved in the disposal of the waste products is also huge. Consequently, efforts have been made to design synthesis for manufacturing processes in such a manner that the waste products are least, they have no effect on the environment and their disposal is suitable. For carrying out reactions it is essential that the starting materials, solvents and catalysts should be cautiously selected. For instance, Benzene (C6H6) as a solvent must be avoided at any cost because it is carcinogenic in character. If possible, it is best to carry out reactions in the aqueous phase. With this view in mind, synthesis methods should be designed in such a way that the starting materials are consumed to the maximum extant in the final product. The reaction should also not produce any noxious by-products.