Green Chemistry: A Sustainable Approach

Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, represents a modern approach to chemical science that emphasizes the design of products and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances (Anastas & Warner, 1998). Built on the foundation of the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry, this field promotes atom economy, safer solvents and auxiliaries, renewable feedstocks, and the use of catalytic over stoichiometric reagents, all of which contribute to safer and more efficient chemical practices (Anastas & Zimmerman, 2018). In recent years, advances such as heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis, solvent-free reactions, microwave-assisted synthesis, ionic liquids, and supercritical fluids have offered environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional chemical methods, improving both efficiency and sustainability (Poli, 2020; Clark et al., 2021). Additionally, sustainability assessment tools including life-cycle assessment (LCA), E-factor, and process mass intensity (PMI) have strengthened the evaluation of environmental impact in chemical industries (Sheldon, 2017). This review compiles recent developments, industrial applications, and emerging technologies in green chemistry, emphasizing its essential role in pollution prevention, waste minimization, and the transition toward a circular and sustainable chemical economy.Overall, green chemistry continues to serve as a key scientific and industrial framework for achieving long-term environmental and economic sustainability.