Question

By green chemistry we mean (a) Producing chemicals of our daily use from green house gases. (b) Performing chemical processes which use green plants. (c) Performing only those reactions which are of biological origin. (d) The use of non-toxic reagents and solvents to produce environmental friendly products.

Short answer

Green chemistry is best described by option (d).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the given options

Read through each of the options provided to understand what each one is suggesting about green chemistry.

Evaluate Option (a)

Option (a) suggests that green chemistry means producing chemicals of our daily use from greenhouse gases. This definition is too narrow and is not the widely accepted definition of green chemistry.

Evaluate Option (b)

Option (b) claims that green chemistry involves performing chemical processes using green plants. This is also a limited perspective and does not fully encompass the principles of green chemistry.

Evaluate Option (c)

Option (c) states that green chemistry involves only those reactions that are of biological origin. However, green chemistry is not restricted to biological reactions alone.

Evaluate Option (d)

Option (d) describes green chemistry as the use of non-toxic reagents and solvents to produce environmentally friendly products. This option aligns with the principles of green chemistry, which aim to minimize the environmental impact of chemical processes and products.

Conclusion

Based on the evaluations, option (d) best defines green chemistry as it focuses on the use of non-toxic reagents and solvents to create products that are environmentally friendly.

Key concepts

Environmentally Friendly Products

Green chemistry aims to create products that minimize their environmental impact. These are called environmentally friendly products. They are designed to be safe for people and the planet.

Several strategies ensure products are environmentally friendly:

• Using renewable resources to make products
• Designing products to be biodegradable so they break down naturally
• Avoiding harmful chemicals that can pollute air, water, and soil
• Using less energy during production and utilizing sustainable methods

Companies and scientists are always looking for new ways to create greener products. It's about making our everyday items better for the Earth.

Non-Toxic Reagents

Non-toxic reagents are a key focus in green chemistry. Reagents are substances used to cause a chemical reaction. When they are non-toxic, they do not harm humans or the environment.

Why switch to non-toxic reagents?

• They reduce the risk of poisoning and long-term health problems
• They make chemical processes safer for workers
• They minimize environmental pollution

Finding non-toxic alternatives can be challenging, but the benefits are enormous. For example, using water instead of harmful solvents can make a big difference. The goal is to protect our health and the planet while still achieving the desired chemical reactions.

Chemical Processes

Chemical processes are the steps taken to transform raw materials into useful products. In green chemistry, the goal is to make these processes more sustainable.

Here are some ways to green chemical processes:

• Using catalysts to speed up reactions and reduce energy use
• Designing reactions that produce little or no waste
• Recycling and reusing chemicals wherever possible
• Opting for processes that operate at room temperature and pressure

By making chemical processes greener, we can create products that are better for the environment. This not only helps to conserve resources but also reduces pollution.