04. Chemical products and atom economy

How can we look at an equation and know if it is sustainable?

Pollutants produced, conditions needed for the reaction or if reactants are non renewable

What are some pollutants produced in the chemical process?

Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and soot

Why does carbon dioxide harm the environment?

Global warming

Why does soot harm the environment?

Air pollution

Why does sulfur dioxide harm the environment?

Acid rain

What is an alternative to using mined metals in industry? Why is this sustainable?

Recycling rare metals -> Conserves raw materials as fewer natural ores need mining

What can improve sustainability and why?

Catalysts as they reduce energy needed in a reaction

What does atom economy show us?

The amount of raw materials that are converted into useful products

Why is having a high atom economy sustainable?

Shows there is less waste of atoms

Why is analysing atom economy better than percentage yield?

Atom economy takes into account all atoms whilst percentage yield focuses on 1 reactant and 1 product