Atom economy

What is atom economy?

Atom economy refers to the percentage of reactants that are converted into useful products.

Why is a high atom economy important?

A high atom economy means less waste and more efficient use of materials.

How do you calculate atom economy?

Atom economy = (M_r of useful products / M_r of all reactants) x100

What does a low atom economy mean?

It means that a lot of the reactants are wasted in the form of by-products.

How can atom economy be improved in a chemical process?

By designing reactions where more of the reactants are turned into useful products.

What is a reaction with a high atom economy?

A reaction with a high percentage of reactants converted to desired products, such as the production of hydrogen from methane.

How can you calculate the atom economy of a reaction with multiple products?

Add the molar masses of useful products, divide by total molar mass of reactants, then multiply by 100.

Why is atom economy important in green chemistry?

It helps minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and use resources more efficiently.

How does atom economy affect industrial processes?

High atom economy reduces costs, energy use, and waste disposal needs

How does atom economy relate to sustainability?

Higher atom economy supports sustainable chemical processes by reducing waste.

How can you improve atom economy in reactions with multiple by-products?

Use catalysts to maximize the conversion of reactants to desired products.

How do you calculate the molar mass of reactants in atom economy?

Add the molar masses of all reactants involved in the reaction.

How does atom economy affect the cost of producing a product?

Higher atom economy means fewer raw materials are wasted, reducing the cost of production.

Why is atom economy critical in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

It ensures that the maximum amount of active ingredient is obtained with minimal waste.

How do you optimize atom economy in large-scale reactions?

Optimize the reaction conditions to maximize product formation and minimize side reactions.