International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications

Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

Green Chemistry and Catalysis

Adiba Mulla, Suhani Sinha, Sonali Mehetar, Srushti Gholap
Navsahyadri Institute of Pharmacy, Pune
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Submitted: 13-03-2024 Accepted: 23-03-2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

ABSTRACT:Green chemistry and catalysis work how catalysis plays a crucial role in making
together to improve chemical processes while chemistry more environmentally friendly.
being kinder to the environment. Catalysis helps
reactions happen faster and with less waste, which KEYWORDS:GreenChemistry, Catalysis,
is good for nature. Recent progress focuses on Sonochemistry, Ionic liquid, Solvent, Enzyme
finding new ways to make catalysts, using eco- Technology, Ultrasonography, Nanoparticle
friendly materials, and creating cleaner methods for
making chemicals. Different techniques like using I. INTRODUCTION
special catalysts, natural enzymes, or light help Green chemistry, sometimes referred to as
make these processes greener. Scientists also use sustainable chemistry, is a branch of chemical
computers to find smarter ways to make catalysts engineering and research. It encourages the design
and processes. Overall, these advancements show of product and procedures that minimise the usage
of hazardous materials.[1]

Catalysis is an increase in the rate of a addressing environmental and sustainability

chemical reaction due to the addition of a substance challenges in the chemical industry.By integrating
called a catalyst. Catalysts are not consumed in the catalysis into green chemistry principles,
reaction and remain unchanged after the reaction. researchers and industries aim to develop
Green chemistry is about making chemical innovative processes that are both environmentally
processes and products more environmentally benign and economically viable. Catalytic reactions
friendly, while catalysis is a method that helps often play a central role in green chemistry
speed up these processes.When combined, green strategies by enabling transformations that would
chemistry and catalysis work together to develop otherwise be impractical or
cleaner and more sustainable ways of environmentally harmful.Overall, the synergy
producing chemicals.[1] between green chemistry and catalysis holds
Green chemistry and catalysis are two promise for transforming the chemical industry
interconnected fields that play critical roles in

DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 350
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications
Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

towards more sustainable practices and fostering a may be achieved by maintaining the processes at
greener and cleaner future.[2] room temperature and pressure while using an
appropriate catalyst.
II. HISTORY OF
GREENCHEMISTRY 7. Use of renewable feedstocks
The term "Father of Green Chemistry" is Avoiding the use of non-renewable natural
often attributed to Paul Anastas. Together with resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas is
John Warner, he played a pivotal role in defining preferable for sustainable development.
the principles and framework of green Example: Biobased plastics made from renewable
chemistry. Anastas and Warner co-authored a book feedstocks.
titled "Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice,"
which outlined the following 12 principles of green
chemistry.[3]

1. Prevention
Instead of treating or cleaning up, it is
preferable to check or prevent the synthesis of
hazardous, poisonous, explosive, bio-accumulative,
and waste chemical products.

2. Atom Economy
Plan the chemical reactions so that the end
product has the highest possible concentration of
the reactant or initial raw materials, with just a
small amount of raw material atoms remaining.[6]

3. Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis 8. Reduced derivatives

Create chemical processes and products During a chemical process, waste product
that are designed to prevent environmental are formed or generated if additional chemical
degradation and human harm by ensuring that the reagent are used to block or protect any groups, so
usage and synthesis of chemical compounds do not avoid such type of blocking, protecting groups or
beyond the critical limit of toxicity. even any modifications, if possible.
Example: (a) Avoid the synthesis of chemicals like
organ mercurial’s compounds; which caused 9. Catalysis
Minamata disaster A catalyst is a chemical that is used in
small amounts to speed up reactions by lowering
4. Designing safer chemicals activation energy and self-regenerating after the
Chemical goods and processes should be process is finished.
created with the least amount of toxicity,
bioaccumulation, and biotransformation possible 10. Design for degradation
while yet having a highly selective character that The design of chemical processes and
affects their intended activities. products should ensure that both the final goods
and the waste items they produce can decompose
5. Safer solvent and auxiliaries naturally. By using physical, chemical, and
When utilising auxiliary compounds as biological processes, the intended products
solvents, separating agents, or extractive agents, disintegrate into innocuous tiny components and
they should not cause cancer, be non-explosive, disappear into the surrounding environment. The
non-toxic, non-bio accumulative, or induce product shouldn't exhibit biomagnifications or be
mutations. bio accumulative in any way.

6. Design for energy Efficiency 11. Real time analysis for pollution
In order to create the intended outcome, prevention.
chemical processes and products must be designed To regulate the creation of desired
to use the least amount of energy possible. This products and prevent the production of any

DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 351
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications
Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

hazardous or waste materials as byproducts, it is to improve air quality. Numerous byproducts and
crucial to understand the events of product other waste substances can be eliminated because
formation throughout a chemical process at varying catalysis promotes more effective and selective
temperature, pressure, and time. reactions.[15]

12. Inherent safer chemistry for accident SOLID ACIDS AND BASES AS CATALYSTS
prevention Acid- and base-catalysed reactions play a
Chemical accidents, such as explosions, significant role in the petrochemical and oil
fires, and smoke produced by chemicals released refining industries, as well as in the synthesis of
into the environment, can be reduced or completely several specialty chemicals, including flavours,
avoided by designing chemical processes, products, fragrances, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
and their physical states, such as solid, liquid, and Numerous operations in liquid-phase homogeneous
gaseous. systems or vapour-phase systems on inorganic
substrates call for the employment of Lewis acids
CATALYSIS (AlCl3, ZnCl2, BF3) or standard Bronsted acids
Catalysis is a process where a substance (H2SO4, HF, HCl, p-toluene-Sulfonic acid). In a
(catalyst) speeds up a chemical reaction without similar vein, common bases include KO, NaOH,
being consumed itself, typically by lowering the KOH, and NaOMe. The creation of inorganic salts
activation energy required for the as a result of their ultimate neutralisation, which
reaction to occur.[4] finally finds its way into water streams.[5]

HOW IT RELATED TO GREEN CHEMISTRY? Using solid acids and bases as catalysts has
Large volumes of waste are produced additional benefits, such as:
daily by chemical activities. Particularly with  Easier separation and recycling, which leads to
stoichiometric equivalents, unwanted byproducts a quicker process and cheaper production
such inorganic salts are produced. Scientists are costs.
able to conserve energy and resources when more  Solid acids are safer and simpler to work with
effective catalytic alternatives gradually replace than their liquid counterparts, such as HF,
stoichiometric chemical procedures. Greener H2SO4, and others.
catalysis is defined as moving away from Extremely caustic and requires expensive
stoichiometric processes and towards homogeneous building supplies.
and heterogeneous catalytic reactions employing  Neutralised catalyst contamination at trace
organic, inorganic, organometallic, and biological levels in the final product is frequently
catalysts.[3] avoided. When the latter is a trustworthy one.
 Comparing granular compounds to their liquid
ROLE OF CATALYST IN GREEN CHEMISTRY equivalents, the former are safer and simpler to
The field of green chemistry is concerned use.
with finding and using ecologically beneficial
compounds and methods. One essential element of ENZYME TECHNOLOGY IN BIOCATALYTIC
green chemistry is catalysis. Green chemistry, REDUCTION
sometimes referred to as sustainable chemistry or The use of natural materials, such as
ecologically benign chemistry, reduces toxicity. Its enzymes from biological sources or whole cells, to
goal is to plan and carry out energy-saving, waste- accelerate chemical processes is known as
reduction, and resource-saving pollution avoidance biocatalysis. The metabolic conversion of
strategies that don't include trash management. compounds to create new chemicals for industrial
Because green chemistry is supposed to lower use is referred to as biocatalysis. The metabolic
pollutants and carbon emissions, it is seen as breakdown of chemicals for the benefit of the
ecologically benign. Catalysis has aided in the environment is referred to as biodegradation. The
reduction of pollution in our environment. By same enzymes frequently play key roles in
lowering the use of volatile organic compounds biocatalytic and biodegradative processes.[5]
(VOCsi), eliminating and controlling NOx In organic synthesis, reductions are crucial
emissions, and creating alternative catalytic because they provide chiral molecules with novel
technology to replace the use of chlorine or uses.Enzymes with remarkable stereo-, regio-, and
chlorine-based intermediate in chemical synthesis chemo selectivity can catalyse these activities,
and waste minimization, catalysts have been used
DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 352
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications
Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

leading to the creation of shorter and higher-value the quick dispersion of solids, the breakdown of
conventional synthesis routes. Chemicals in bulk as organic materials, including biological
well as compounds are accessible.As the catalysts components, and the formation of porous materials
of nature, enzymes provide almost infinite access and nanostructures.[9]
to a vast array of chemical processes. Specifically,
reductions have the ability to produce numerous SOLVENT-FREE SONOCHEMICAL PROTOCOL
chiral centres as well as multiple chiral A solvent-free Sonochemical protocol
centres.However, novel functional groups in goods involves conducting chemical reactions using
that are highly sought after by the fine chemical ultrasound without the use of any organic solvents.
and pharmaceutical sectors.[7] This approach aligns with the principles of green
An example of enzyme technology in chemistry by reducing environmental impact,
biocatalytic reduction is the use of alcohol eliminating or minimizing the need for volatile and
dehydrogenase enzymes to catalyse the reduction often harmful solvents.
of ketones or aldehydes to their respective alcohols.
This process is widely used in pharmaceutical and 1. Heterogeneous Catalysis in Organic
chemical industries for the synthesis of chiral Heterogeneous catalysis is a branch of
compounds with high catalysis in which the catalyst is in a different
selectivity and efficiency.[10] phase (usually a solid) than the reactants. This
approach is widely used in organic synthesis due to
SONOCHEMISTRY its various advantages, including ease of separation
In chemistry, the study and recycling of the catalyst, as well as the ability
of sonochemistry is concerned with understanding to perform reactions under milder
the effect of ultrasound in forming conditions.Heterogeneous catalysis in organic
acoustic cavitation in liquids, resulting in the chemistry involves using solid catalysts to
initiation or enhancement of the chemical activity accelerate chemical reactions in which the reactants
in the solution. Therefore, the chemical effects of and catalyst are in different phases (e.g., solid
ultrasound do not come from a direct interaction of catalyst and liquid or gaseous reactants). It's widely
the ultrasonic sound wave with the molecules in the used in industrial processes like hydrogenation,
solution.[12] oxidation, and hydrocracking.[10]

GREEN SONO CHEMICAL APPROACHES FOR 2. Heterocyclic Synthesis in Water

ORGANIC SYNTHESIS. Heterocyclic synthesis in water is the
Sono chemical approaches in organic process of producing heterocyclic compounds
synthesis involve using ultrasound to promote utilizing water as a reaction media. This technique
chemical reactions. They're valued for their is consistent with green chemistry principles, as
efficiency and environmental friendliness. They're water is a safe, abundant, and environmentally
particularly useful for promoting reactions in a beneficial solvent.Heterocyclic synthesis in water,
greener, more sustainable way, often reducing the also known as aqueous-phase synthesis, is a green
need for harsh reaction conditions and sustainable approach to forming heterocyclic
or toxic components.Even though ultrasonography compounds using water as the solvent. This method
has long been used in both business and academia, offers several advantages, including environmental
environmental and synthetic chemists have only friendliness, mild reaction conditions, and easier
just come to appreciate the "green" value of this purification. It’s becoming increasingly popular in
non-hazardous acoustic radiation. Ultrasound's organic chemistry due to its compatibility with
chemical and physical impacts are caused by green chemistry principles.[8]
cavitation collapse, which locally creates extreme
conditions. This leads to the synthesis of chemical 3. Solvent-free Reactions
species that are difficult to get under normal Solvent-free reactions refer to chemical
circumstances, which in turn drives a specific reactions that are conducted without the use of any
radical reactivity. This non-mathematical liquid solvents. This approach is part of the broader
justification foresees the benefits of applying this concept of green chemistry, aiming to minimize or
technology to a range of processes, such as safer eliminate the use of potentially harmful solvents,
reagent substitution, easier creation of reactive reduce waste generation, and improve the overall
species and catalysts, and softer reactions with environmental sustainability of chemical
higher yields and selectivity. Sonication facilitates processes.Solvent-free reactions, also known as
DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 353
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications
Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

neat reactions or solventless reactions, are chemical have specific applications, such as in dry cleaning
reactions that are carried out without the use of any (tetrachloroethylene, for example), paint thinners
solvent. These reactions offer several advantages, (turpentine, toluene), glue solvents (acetone,
including environmental friendliness, reduced methyl acetate, ethyl acetate), spot removers
waste generation, and simplified purification (hexane, petrol ether), detergents (citrus terpenes),
processes. They are particularly useful in green and perfumes (ethanol). In the chemical,
chemistry and are becoming increasingly popular pharmaceutical, oil, and gas sectors, solvents are
in organic synthesis. Examples include solid-state used in a variety of processes, such as chemical
reactions, mechanochemical reactions, and gas- synthesis and purification.
phase reactions Polar and non-polar solvents are the two
basic categories into which solvents may be
4. Reactions in Organic Solvents divided. A unique instance is elemental mercury,
Reactions in organic solvents involve whose solutions are referred to as amalgams;
carrying out chemical reactions in liquid organic moreover, there are other metal solutions that are
solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or toluene. liquid at ambient temperature.
Organic solvents serve as reaction media, In general, a solvent's dielectric constant
dissolving reactants and facilitating interactions can be used to approximate its polarity. Water has a
between them. They can influence reaction rates, high dielectric constant of 88 (at 0 °C), which
selectivity, and yields. Common organic solvents indicates its strong polarity. Nonpolar solvents are
include ethers, alcohols, hydrocarbons, and often defined as those with a dielectric constant of
chlorinated solvents. Choosing the appropriate less than 15.
solvent is crucial for optimizing reaction conditions The dielectric constant quantifies the
and achieving desired outcomes in solvent's propensity to partially negate the electric
organic synthesis.[7] field intensity of a submerged charged particle.[15]
Next, a comparison is made between this
SOLVENTS AND IONIC LIQUIDS decrease and the charged particle's field strength in
1. Solvent a vacuum.A solvent's heuristic dielectric constant
A solvent is a substance that dissolves a might be conceptualised as its capacity to decrease
solute, resulting in a solution. Although they can the effective internal charge of the solute. In
also be solids, gases, or supercritical fluids, general, a solvent's dielectric constant may be used
solvents are typically liquids. All ions and proteins to reasonably estimate how well it would dissolve
in a cell are dissolved in the water that exists within typical ionic substances, such salts.[13]
the cell. Water is a solvent for polar molecules and
the most frequent solvent utilised by living
organisms.Although they can also be solids, gases,
or supercritical fluids, solvents are typically
liquids. All ions and proteins in a cell are dissolved
in the water that exists within the cell. Water is a
solvent for polar molecules and the most frequent
solvent utilised by living organisms.[13]

2. IONIC LIQUIDS
A salt that is liquid at room temperature is
known as an ionic liquid (IL). The phrase has
occasionally been limited to salts that melt at or
below a particular temperature, such 100 °C (212
°F).Ordinary liquids like petrol and water are
Fig. Ethyl acetate, nail polish solvent. mostly composed of molecules that are electrically
neutral, whereas ionic liquids are primarily
Solvents find extensive use in paints, paint composed of ions. These materials go by a number
removers, inks, and dry cleaning. Organic solvents

DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 354
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications
Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

of names, including fused salts, liquid salts, ionic Applications:

melts, ionic electrolytes, and ionic glasses.[11] - Organic synthesis reactions.
The term "ionic liquid" in the general - Extraction processes.
sense has been used from the beginning in 1943. - Chromatography.
The date of discovery of the ―first‖ ionic liquid is
still disputed. the identity of its discoverer. Ethanol 3. Supercritical Fluids (e.g., Supercritical CO2):
ammonium nitrate (m.p. 52–55 °C) was reported in Advantages:
1888 by S. Gabriel and J. Weiner. ILs are typically - Excellent for extracting natural products.
colourless viscous liquids.[19] - Can replace volatile organic solvents.
They are usually moderate to poor
conductors of electricity and rarely self-ionize. Applications:
However, there are a very large number of them - Extraction of essential oils.
electrochemical window, allowing electrochemical - Green separation processes.
purification of Difficult minerals. Role of Ionic Liquids:
They exhibit low vapor pressure, which 1. Catalysis:
can be as low as 10-10 Pa. Many have low - Ionic liquids can serve as both solvents and
combustibility and are thermally stable. The catalysts in various reactions.
solubility properties of ILs are diverse. - They provide a unique environment for catalysis
Saturated aliphatic compounds are generally and can enhance reaction rates and selectivity.
onlysparinglysoluble in ionic
liquids,whereas alkenes show somewhat greater 2. Extraction and Separation:
solubility, and aldehydes often completely - Ionic liquids are used in extraction processes,
miscible.[14] particularly for separating polar and nonpolar
compounds.
ROLE OF VARIOUS TYPES OF SOLVENTS AND IONIC
LIQUIDS USED IN GREEN SYNTHESIS 3. Biocatalysis:
Green synthesis aims to develop - Ionic liquids provide a stable medium for
environmentally friendly and sustainable methods enzymatic reactions, facilitating the use of
for the production of chemicals, materials, and biocatalysts in synthesis.
pharmaceuticals.[4] The choice of solvents plays a
crucial role in determining the overall 4. Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials:
environmental impact of a synthetic process. Both - Ionic liquids are used in the green synthesis of
traditional solvents and ionic liquids can be nanoparticles and nanomaterials.
employed in green synthesis, each offering specific - They can act as both solvents and stabilizing
advantages and considerations. Here's a discussion agents for the nanoparticles.
of their roles in green synthesis:[3]
6. Green Solvents for Biopolymers:
Role of Various Types of Solvents: - Ionic liquids are explored as green solvents for
1. Water: the dissolution and processing of biopolymers,
Advantages: contributing to the development of sustainable
- Abundant and inexpensive. materials.[14]
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
- Green extraction solvent for natural products.

Applications:
- Hydrothermal synthesis.
- Reactions involving hydrophilic reactants.
- Biomolecule synthesis.

2. Organic Solvents (Green Solvents):

Advantages:
- Some are derived from bio-based feedstocks.
- Low toxicity compared to traditional solvents.

DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 355
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications
Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2024, pp: 350-356 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781

III. CONCLUSION Series Books, Washington, DC, 1996, pp.

Older methods that harm the environment, 1–20 Search PubMed.
involve hazardous solvents, and are not atom- [10]. Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences
specific in the sense that they defy the principles of Encyclopedia of Microbiology (Third
green chemistry must be updated or modified. This Edition) 2009, Pages 78-87
has the potential to improve environmental [11]. Encyclopedia of Microbiology
sustainability and student safety at the same time. Biodegradation Database and Prediction,
This is the first time a novel strategy has been Microbial Author links open overlay
developed. Non-traditional methods are employed panelL.P. Wackett, L.B.M. Ellis
in organic synthesis. The synthesis of chemicals in University of Minnesota,
an ecologically responsible manner depends St. Paul, MN, USA
heavily on catalysis. Numerous byproducts, co- [12]. Suslick, K. S. (1990). "Sonochemistry".
products, potential wastes, and pollutants can be Science. 247 (4949): 1439–45.
avoided by switching from a typical synthetic Bibcode:1990Sci...247.1439S.
method to an ecologically friendly synthetic one. doi:10.1126/science.247.4949.1439.
The feasibility of using catalysts for PMID 17791211. S2CID 220099341.
environmentally friendly synthesis is demonstrated [13]. "What's the Difference Between Acetone
by the elimination of many stages that are typically and Non-acetone Nail Polish Remover?".
included in the process. 3 November 2009.
[14]. Stoye,Dieter (2000). "Solvents".
Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial
REFERENCES Chemistry. Weinheim:
[1]. R.T. Human health Pharmaceutical in the WileyVCH.doi:10.1002/14356007.a24_43
environment: am introduction, Allen, 7. ISBN 978-3527306732.
Press /ACG publishing, 2005; 1-45. [15]. Cavani F, Centi G, Parathoner S, Trifino F
[2]. (v.2009) : environmental protection : (Eds). Sustainable Industrial Chemistry.
green manufacturing in pharmaceuticals WileyVCH, Chichester, West Sussex, UK,
industry and cost reduction , Kem IND 58 2009.
(1): 32-33. In Croatian.
[3]. Anastas, P.T. Warner, J.C green
chemistry; theory and practice, oxford
university press; New york.1998, pp.30
[4]. Green Chemistry and Catalysis By R. A.
Sheldon, Isabella Arends, Ulf Hanefeld
[5]. Anastas P.T., Warner J.C., Green
Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford
University Press, New York, (1998)
[6]. B.M.Trost, Atom economy—A challenge
for organic synthesis: Homogeneous
catalysis leads the way. Angew Chem Int
Ed., 34, 259 (1995).
[7]. R.A.Sheldon, Green solvents for
sustainable organic synthesis: State of the
art. GreenChem., 7, 267 (2005)
[8]. P. T. Anastas and J. C. Warner, in Green
Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford
University Press, New York, 1998 Search
PubMed; I. Horvath and P. T. Anastas,
Chem. Rev., 2007, 107, 2167 Search
PubMed.
[9]. P. T. Anastas and T. C. Williamson, in
Green Chemistry: Designing Chemistry
for the Environment, American Chemical

DOI: 10.35629/7781-0902350356 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 356