Common oxidizing reagents in traditional organic chemistry often
require the use of chromium reagents. Chromium wastes must be
disposed of as hazardous waste due to environmental and health
concerns. Attempts are being made in organic chemistry labs to
reduce the impact we have on the environment. Review the 12
principles of green chemistry proposed and comment on which of
these principles our oxidation of borneol seems to address.
Prevention
It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste
after it has been created.
Atom Economy
Synthetic methods should be designed to maximize the
incorporation of all materials used in the process into the final
product.
Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
Wherever practicable, synthetic methods should be designed to
use and generate substances that possess little or no toxicity to
human health and the environment.
Designing Safer Chemicals
Chemical products should be designed to affect their desired
function while minimizing their toxicity.
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
The use of auxiliary substances (e.g., solvents, separation
agents, etc.) should be made unnecessary wherever possible and
innocuous when used.
Design for Energy Efficiency
Energy requirements of chemical processes should be recognized
for their environmental and economic impacts and should be
minimized. If possible, synthetic methods should be conducted at
ambient temperature and pressure.
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
A raw material or feedstock should be renewable rather than
depleting whenever technically and economically practicable.
Reduce Derivatives
Unnecessary derivatization (use of blocking groups,
protection/ deprotection, temporary modification of
physical/chemical processes) should be minimized or avoided if
possible, because such steps require additional reagents and can
generate waste.
Catalysis
Catalytic reagents (as selective as possible) are superior to
stoichiometric reagents.
Design for Degradation
Chemical products should be designed so that at the end of
their function they break down into innocuous degradation products
and do not persist in the environment.
Real-time analysis for Pollution Prevention
Analytical methodologies need to be further developed to allow
for real-time, in-process monitoring and control prior to the
formation of hazardous substances.
Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
Substances and the form of a substance used in a chemical
process should be chosen to minimize the potential for chemical
accidents, including releases, explosions, and fires.