Green chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Its main goal is to protect human health and the environment by preventing pollution at its source rather than treating it after it occurs. Green chemistry emphasizes efficient reactions, the use of renewable raw materials, reduced energy consumption, and the design of safer, biodegradable chemicals.
The twelve principles of green chemistry provide a fundamental framework for this approach. Key principles include waste prevention, maximizing atom economy, using safer solvents and auxiliaries, and designing chemicals with reduced toxicity. Green chemistry also promotes the use of catalysts instead of stoichiometric reagents and encourages reactions under mild conditions of temperature and pressure to save energy.
Green chemistry plays an important role in industry and scientific research, contributing to the development of more sustainable sectors such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, polymers, and renewable energy. It also helps reduce economic costs related to waste treatment and environmental damage.
In the face of global environmental challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, green chemistry represents an essential scientific approach to achieving sustainable development and building a safer and healthier future for coming generations.
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