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 UO Experts Create Online Resource for Green Chemistry Check
out Oure NEW Green Chemistry Textbook! New Green Organic Lab finds Success Slide Show detailing our green organic curriculum
The principles of green chemistry focus on reducing, recycling, or eliminating the use of toxic chemicals in chemistry by finding creative ways to minimize the human and environmental impact without stifling scientific progress. Chemical synthesis which takes into account environmental considerations in the selection of reactants and reaction conditions is growing in importance as both industrial and academic researchers become aware of the environmental and economic advantages of an environmentally benign or "green" approach. The principles of a green approach are not covered in traditional chemistry courses, perhaps contributing to its slow growth as an area of academic research. Finding creative ways to reduce hazard and waste has been the goal of many academic labs across the country. In recent history, the trend has been toward "microscale" methods; using smaller quantities of reactants to minimize the impact. In contrast, green chemistry focuses on using less toxic reactants in the first place, thus reducing the need to use microscale methods. Students in a green chemistry lab can use quantities more typical of an industrial setting than their counterparts in a microscale lab. Finding realistic solutions to environmental concerns in academic labs should prove to be a boon to industry as they look for employees ready to meet the demands of the future of science. At Oregon, we are setting the stage for becoming a national center devoted to green chemistry education and research by developing innovative educational materials and research programs based on green chemistry principles. |
Green Chemistry at Oregon • Green Organic Lab • Green Chemistry Resources • Media Coverage |
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