Fundamentals of green chemistry: efficiency in reaction design.
In this tutorial review, the fundamental concepts underlying the principles of green and sustainable chemistry--atom and step economy and the E factor--are presented, within the general context of efficiency in organic synthesis. The importance of waste minimisation through the widespread application of catalysis in all its forms--homogeneous, heterogeneous, organocatalysis and biocatalysis--is discussed. These general principles are illustrated with simple practical examples, such as alcohol oxidation and carbonylation and the asymmetric reduction of ketones. The latter reaction is exemplified by a three enzyme process for the production of a key intermediate in the synthesis of the cholesterol lowering agent, atorvastatin. The immobilisation of enzymes as cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) as a means of optimizing operational performance is presented. The use of immobilised enzymes in catalytic cascade processes is illustrated with a trienzymatic process for the conversion of benzaldehyde to (S)-mandelic acid using a combi-CLEA containing three enzymes. Finally, the transition from fossil-based chemicals manufacture to a more sustainable biomass-based production is discussed.
Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 136, Delft 2628BL, Netherlands. r.a.sheldon@tudelft.nl
Roger A
RA
Sheldon
D018533:Biomass; D002384:Catalysis; D004800:Enzymes, Immobilized / Q000378:metabolism; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000737:chemistry; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology; D007659:Ketones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry
D004800:Enzymes, Immobilized; D005609:Free Radicals; D007659:Ketones; D012997:Solvents