Green Chemistry

Abstract

There is absolutely no doubt that green chemistry has brought about medical revolution (e.g., synthesis of drugs etc.). The world’s food supply has increased many folds due to the discovery of hybrid varieties, improved methods of farming, better seeds and use of agro chemicals, like fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and so on. Also, the quality of life has improved due to the discovery of dyes, plastics, cosmetics and other materials. All these developments increased the average life expectancy from 47 years in 1900 to about 80 years in 2010. However, the ill-effects of all the development became pronounced. The most important effect is the release of hazardous by-products of chemical industries and the release of agro chemicals in the atmosphere, land and water bodies; all these are responsible for polluting the environment, including atmosphere, land and water bodies. Owing to all these, green chemistry assumed special importance.