Solvent selection for green chemistry

Solvent selection in green chemistry focuses on minimizing environmental and health impacts while maintaining efficiency. Ideal solvents are non-toxic, biodegradable, and derived from renewable sources. Water, supercritical CO₂, and bio-based solvents like ethanol and glycerol are preferred alternatives to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to pollution and hazards. Factors such as energy use, recyclability, and compatibility with the reaction must also be considered. Reducing solvent volume or conducting solvent-free (reagent-less) reactions (e.g. photochemistry and electrochemistry) further enhances sustainability. Tools like the GSK Solvent Sustainability Guide aid chemists in choosing greener options, Vapourtec has made available this handy free-to-download guide. Please download and make the most of this.

Vapourtec’s solvent selection guide is only available to Knowledge Base members. To sign up please visit the knowledgebase:

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