Question

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

Short answer

The correct answer is (b): The use of non-toxic reagents and solvents to produce environmentally friendly products.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Green Chemistry

Green chemistry refers to designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Its main aim is to minimize the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing.

Analyzing Each Option

Let's analyze each option to see which aligns with the principles of green chemistry: (a) Performing only those reactions which are of biological origin is more about biochemistry than green chemistry. (b) The use of non-toxic reagents and solvents to produce environmentally friendly products directly aligns with green chemistry principles. (c) Producing chemicals from greenhouse gases is a specific method and not a broad principle of green chemistry. (d) Performing chemical processes with green plants is related to biochemistry or biotechnology, not directly to green chemistry.

Identifying the Correct Principle

Now that we have analyzed each option, it is clear that option (b) is about choosing safer chemicals and methods which is a core principle of green chemistry. This option focuses on the use of non-toxic substances which aligns with the goal to reduce harmful environmental and health impacts.

Confirming the Correct Answer

Reviewing all options, option (b) perfectly represents the main objective of green chemistry: minimizing the environmental and health hazards associated with chemical processes.

Key concepts

Non-toxic Reagents

In green chemistry, one of the most essential aspects is the use of non-toxic reagents. Reagents are substances or mixtures used in chemical reactions to detect, measure, examine, or create other substances. Traditionally, many reagents have been toxic or harmful to both human health and the environment.
To counteract these hazards, green chemistry advocates for developing and utilizing reagents that do not pose risks. This approach makes the processes safer for everyone involved.

• Non-toxic reagents are safer for human health, reducing exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic, or otherwise harmful substances.
• They contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution by minimizing hazardous waste.
• These reagents are also often derived from renewable resources, further supporting the sustainable goals of green chemistry.

By focusing on non-toxic choices, the chemical industry can alleviate some of the long-term risks associated with traditional chemical manufacturing.
This transition not only enhances safety but also ensures that the chain of production does not have detrimental effects on nature.

Environmental Friendly Products

Creating environmentally friendly products is a core goal of green chemistry. These products are designed to have minimal adverse effects on the environment throughout their lifecycle, from production through disposal.
Green chemistry promotes the development of such products by emphasizing sustainability and reducing waste.

• One approach is to utilize biodegradable materials that break down naturally, reducing trash in landfills.
• Maximizing efficiency in the use of resources, such as water and energy, helps minimize the carbon footprint of production processes.
• Reducing reliance on non-renewable resources by substituting them with renewable alternatives is another key strategy.

Environmental friendly products ensure that we meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This holistic approach aligns with the ethos of green chemistry, which is about making conscious choices at every stage of chemical production.
Ultimately, such products and processes aim to safeguard ecosystems and promote a healthy planet.

Principles of Green Chemistry

The principles of green chemistry serve as a guideline for chemists to design products and processes that minimize environmental hazards.
These foundational ideas aim to transform how we approach chemical creation and deployment, ensuring it is both safe and efficient.

• **Prevention:** It is more efficient to prevent waste than to treat or clean it up after it has been created.
• **Atom Economy:** Chemical processes should be designed to maximize the incorporation of all materials used in the process into the final product.
• **Use of Renewable Feedstocks:** Whenever possible, raw materials should be renewable rather than depleting finite resources.

In addition to these, principles like minimizing chemical mishaps, using safer solvents and auxiliaries, designing for targeted degradation, and employing catalysis rather than stoichiometric reagents all play crucial roles.
By following these principles, green chemistry strives to change the way industrial and laboratory chemistry is performed, making it more environmentally sound and sustainable for future generations.