Logo
Logo
Log inSign up
Logo

Tools

AI Concept MapsAI Mind MapsAI Study NotesAI FlashcardsAI Quizzes

Resources

BlogTemplate

Info

PricingFAQTeam

info@algoreducation.com

Corso Castelfidardo 30A, Torino (TO), Italy

Algor Lab S.r.l. - Startup Innovativa - P.IVA IT12537010014

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms and Conditions

Atom Economy and its Importance in Chemical Synthesis

Atom economy is a crucial concept in chemical synthesis, reflecting the efficiency of a reaction in incorporating reactants into the final product. It is essential for sustainable industrial chemistry, aiming to maximize raw material use and minimize waste. This metric differs from percentage yield, which measures the actual product obtained. High atom economy aligns with green chemistry principles, emphasizing resource conservation and reduced environmental impact.

See more
Open map in editor

1

4

Open map in editor

Want to create maps from your material?

Insert your material in few seconds you will have your Algor Card with maps, summaries, flashcards and quizzes.

Try Algor

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

1

Atom Economy Calculation

Click to check the answer

Molecular mass of desired product divided by total molecular mass of all products, times 100.

2

High Atom Economy Indication

Click to check the answer

Represents a more efficient process with minimal atoms wasted as by-products.

3

Atom Economy's Role in Sustainability

Click to check the answer

Encourages development of methods that maximize raw material use and minimize waste.

4

______ economy reflects the intrinsic efficiency of a reaction regarding atom utilization, unrelated to the reaction's practical execution.

Click to check the answer

Atom

5

The ______ yield is calculated by comparing the actual amount of product obtained to the theoretical maximum, and can be affected by various ______ factors.

Click to check the answer

percentage experimental

6

Atom economy relation to resource use

Click to check the answer

High atom economy processes utilize resources efficiently, minimizing raw material waste.

7

Atom economy impact on by-products

Click to check the answer

Processes with high atom economy produce fewer by-products, reducing environmental pollution.

8

Atom economy and green chemistry principles

Click to check the answer

Atom economy is integral to green chemistry, aiming to minimize hazardous substance creation and use.

9

The principle that the mass of ______ must equal the mass of ______ in a closed system is known as the law of ______.

Click to check the answer

reactants products conservation of mass

10

Atom economy of addition reactions

Click to check the answer

Addition reactions have 100% atom economy; all reactants form a single product with no by-products.

11

Atom economy impact on substitution and elimination reactions

Click to check the answer

Substitution and elimination reactions often have lower atom economies due to by-product formation.

12

Importance of atom economy in synthetic route comparison

Click to check the answer

Atom economy is crucial for comparing synthetic routes; it indicates environmental and economic efficiency.

13

The concept of atom economy is crucial for assessing the ______ and ______ of chemical reactions.

Click to check the answer

efficiency sustainability

14

Define atom economy.

Click to check the answer

Atom economy measures the efficiency of a chemical reaction based on atom utilization.

15

Contrast atom economy with percentage yield.

Click to check the answer

Atom economy is a theoretical measure of atom utilization, while percentage yield is an experimental measure of the actual product obtained.

16

Why is high atom economy significant in industrial chemistry?

Click to check the answer

High atom economy indicates a process that maximizes resource use, reduces waste, and lowers costs, aligning with sustainable practices.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Similar Contents

Chemistry

Organic Chemistry and Its Applications

View document

Chemistry

Ruff Degradation: A Key Technique in Carbohydrate Chemistry

View document

Chemistry

Cycloaddition Reactions in Organic Chemistry

View document

Chemistry

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

View document

Exploring the Concept of Atom Economy in Chemical Synthesis

Atom economy is a metric used to evaluate the efficiency of a chemical synthesis by measuring the proportion of reactants that become incorporated into the desired product. It is calculated as the ratio of the molecular mass of the desired product to the total molecular mass of all products, multiplied by 100 to yield a percentage. A higher atom economy indicates a more efficient process, where fewer atoms are wasted as by-products. This concept is vital for assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of chemical processes, as it encourages the development of methods that maximize the use of raw materials and minimize waste generation.
Chemical laboratory with round bottom flask connected to a condenser, digital scale and beaker, pipette with blue liquid.

Distinguishing Atom Economy from Percentage Yield

Atom economy and percentage yield are distinct measures of a chemical reaction's efficiency. Percentage yield is determined by the actual amount of product obtained from a reaction compared to the theoretical maximum, and it can be influenced by various experimental factors. In contrast, atom economy is a theoretical value based on the stoichiometry of the balanced chemical equation and remains constant regardless of experimental conditions. It provides insight into the intrinsic efficiency of a reaction in terms of atom utilization, independent of the reaction's practical execution.

The Importance of Atom Economy in Industrial Chemistry

High atom economy is a key objective in industrial chemistry due to its implications for resource conservation and waste reduction. Processes with high atom economies make better use of finite resources and generate fewer by-products, which translates to lower environmental impact and reduced costs for waste treatment and disposal. Emphasizing atom economy aligns with the principles of green chemistry, which aim to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

How to Calculate Atom Economy

The calculation of atom economy involves using the molecular masses of the reactants and products as outlined in the balanced chemical equation. The molecular mass of the desired product is divided by the total molecular mass of all products, and the result is multiplied by 100 to obtain the atom economy as a percentage. This calculation assumes adherence to the law of conservation of mass, which states that the mass of reactants must equal the mass of products in a closed system.

Atom Economy Across Reaction Types

The atom economy of a chemical reaction can vary significantly based on the reaction type. Addition reactions, where reactants combine to form a single product without any by-products, inherently have an atom economy of 100 percent. In contrast, substitution and elimination reactions often result in lower atom economies due to the formation of by-products. The atom economy is an important consideration when comparing different synthetic routes for the same product, as it reflects the potential environmental and economic impacts of each method.

Applying Atom Economy Calculations to Real-World Examples

To demonstrate the application of atom economy, consider the synthesis of iron (Fe) from its ore. The balanced chemical equation provides the stoichiometry needed to calculate the atom economy. By taking the molecular mass of the iron produced and dividing it by the total molecular mass of all products, the atom economy can be determined. This example underscores the practical relevance of atom economy in evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of chemical reactions in both academic and industrial settings.

Concluding Thoughts on Atom Economy

Atom economy is a theoretical measure that gauges the efficiency of a chemical reaction in terms of atom utilization, distinct from the experimental measure of percentage yield. A high atom economy is indicative of a process that is resource-efficient, environmentally benign, and cost-effective, making it a desirable attribute in sustainable industrial chemistry. Mastery of atom economy calculations is crucial for chemists aiming to design greener and more sustainable chemical processes, thereby contributing to the advancement of environmentally responsible industrial practices.