Fundamental and Principles of Green Synthesis

Abstract

The hazard factors attributed to chemical and physical methods used in the synthesis of organic, inorganic, hybrid, coordinated compounds have led to the emergence of alternative methods that do not pose any risk to the environment. “Green Synthesis” is an evolving science that accords benefits to the environment and to the economy. In recent years, the application of “Green Synthesis” in the production of vital components using techniques of bionanotechnology has provided benefits and alternatives to physical and chemical methods. The fundamental, principle, and concept of “Green Synthesis” is based on the twelve standard principles of “Green Chemistry”. These principles involve the process of sustainability, saving consumption of energy, low toxic potential of chemical reagents and final products formed, minimum harm to the ecosystem, low risk to global warming, use of resources exploited naturally, and other agrarian wastes generated rationally. The practices and systems of “Green Synthesis” have not only been made pragmatic in the synthesis of many well-known chemical compounds including but not limiting to nanoparticles of metals and nonmetals but also to improve various other materials such as polymers, bioplastics, and aerosols. This has been achieved by adopting new routes of sustainability and using new materials. Physical methods such as ball mill, heating assisted with microwave irradiation, hydrothermal processes when used in combination with precursors of natural origin pose significant importance not only in the greener synthesis but also in the biosynthesis and solventless procedures and techniques. Non-hazardous solvents such as plant extracts, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts are also part of “Green Synthesis”. The chapter highlights the fundamental and principles governing “Green Synthesis”.