Question 1: Explain in your own words what is meant by 'atom economy' in chemistry.

Answer: Atom economy is a measure of how efficiently a chemical reaction uses the reactants to produce the desired product, with higher atom economy indicating less waste and more efficient use of atoms.

Question 1: What is the main advantage of having a high atom economy in industrial chemical processes?

Answer: A high atom economy reduces waste and costs, making the process more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Question 2: Describe the general formula used to calculate atom economy.

Answer: Atom economy = (Molecular weight of the desired product / Sum of molecular weights of all reactants) × 100%

Question 1: Calculate the atom economy of the reaction: Ethene (C₂H₄) reacts with steam to produce Ethanol (C₂H₅OH). The molecular weights are: C₂H₄ = 28 g/mol, C₂H₅OH = 46 g/mol. Assume only the desired product is Ethanol.

Answer: Atom economy = (46 / (28 + 18)) × 100% = (46 / 46) × 100% = 100%

Question 2: A reaction uses 120 g of reactants to produce 80 g of product. The molecular weights are given as: Reactants total = 200 g/mol, Product = 150 g/mol. Calculate the atom economy percentage.

Answer: Atom economy = (150 / 200) × 100% = 75%

Question 1: Describe a simple laboratory experiment to compare the atom economy of two different reactions producing the same product.

Answer: Students can carry out two different synthesis reactions for the same compound, measure the mass of reactants and products, and calculate the atom economy for each. Variables include reaction conditions, reactant purity, and measurement accuracy. Safety precautions involve wearing goggles, gloves, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Question 2: Identify three safety precautions that should be considered when performing reactions aimed at improving atom economy.

Answer: Wearing protective equipment (goggles, gloves), working in a fume hood, and following proper waste disposal procedures.

Question 1: In a manufacturing process, Reaction A has an atom economy of 85%, while Reaction B has an atom economy of 60%. Which reaction is more sustainable and why?

Answer: Reaction A is more sustainable because it has a higher atom economy, meaning it produces less waste and uses reactants more efficiently.

Question 1: Explain how improving atom economy can benefit the pharmaceutical industry.

Answer: Improving atom economy reduces waste and production costs, enhances sustainability, and limits environmental impact, leading to more efficient and eco-friendly drug synthesis.

Question 2: Describe a recent technological development that utilises principles of atom economy to create more sustainable chemical processes.

Answer: Recent developments include green synthesis methods using catalytic processes that maximise atom economy, such as the use of enzyme catalysis in pharmaceuticals, which reduces waste and energy consumption, contributing to environmentally sustainable manufacturing.