The “Twelve principles of Sustainable Chemistry”

1. Prevention

It is better to prevent residue formation than to treat or clean it after it has formed.

 

2. Economy of atoms

Synthesis methods should be designed to maximize the incorporation of all materials used into the final product Molecule Database.

 

3. Less toxic intermediate chemicals

Wherever possible, synthetic methodologies should be designed to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to human health and the environment.

 

4. Safer end products

Chemicals should be designed to maintain the effectiveness of their function while reducing their toxicity.

 

5. Reduction in the use of auxiliary substances

The use of auxiliary substances (such as solvents, separation agents, etc.) should be avoided if possible, and should be harmless when used.

 

6. Reduction of energy consumption

The environmental and economic impact of energy requirements must be recognized and minimized. Synthetic methods should be applied at room temperature and pressure.

 

7. Use of renewable raw materials

Renewable raw materials should be used whenever technically and economically viable.

 

8. Reduction of unnecessary derivatization

Unnecessary derivatization (blocking groups, protect/unprotect steps, temporary modifications) should be avoided as far as possible.

 

9. Use of catalysts

Catalytic reagents (as selective as possible) are superior to stoichiometric reagents.

 

10. Design for degradation

Chemicals must be designed in such a way that at the end of their function they do not persist in the environment and degrade into harmless products.

 

11. Development of analytical technologies for real-time monitoring

Analytical methodologies must be developed that allow the monitoring and control of processes in real time, before dangerous substances are formed.

 

12. Minimization of the risk of chemical accidents

Chemical substances and the ways in which those substances are used in a chemical process should be chosen to minimize the potential for chemical accidents, including spills, explosions, and fires.