An Overview of Green Chemistry

Review Article

Abstract

Over the past decade, green chemistry principles have demonstrated the potential to protect human health and the environment while reducing costs through the design of chemical products and processes. Products and methods designed according to principles that support life-cycle sustainability could form the basis of an environmentally benign chemical enterprise. While the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 established a regulatory framework supporting green chemistry's development, its origins can be traced to earlier scientific efforts to minimize waste and hazards. Effective implementation of green chemistry principles requires overcoming challenges in systematically redesigning chemical synthesis routes. This review explores the historical context of green chemistry's growth, current applications across sub-disciplines like organic synthesis, and strategies to advance education and further innovation through alternative solvents and other design approaches. It examines progress in applying green chemistry concepts, remaining barriers, and promising future directions for more sustainable chemical technology