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Title: Green polymer chemistry: a brief review

Author
item Cheng, Huai
item SMITH, PATRICK - Michigan Molecular Institute
item GROSS, RICHARD - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Submitted to: ACS Symposium Series
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/5/2013
Publication Date: 11/22/2013
Citation: Cheng, H.N., Smith, P.B., Gross, R.A. 2013. Green polymer chemistry: a brief review. In: Cheng, H.N., Gross, R.A., Smith, P.B., editors. Green Polymer Chemistry: Biocatalysis and Materials II. ACS Symposium Series, vol. 1144. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. p. 1-12.

Interpretive Summary: In the past there have been increasing concerns about some chemical reactions, particularly with respect to purity and toxicity of products, the effects of hazardous materials on the environment, the consumption of excessive energy, and the sustainability of natural resources. Green chemistry is an umbrella term that includes a host of different technologies and methodologies aimed at reducing these concerns. There has been a lot of recent interest in green polymer chemistry, with numerous papers published by universities, industries, and government laboratories. In this work, a brief review has been made of recent developments. The goal is to provide people new to the field an overview of this important topic and to introduce them to some key publications. This review also serves as the first chapter of an ACS book on Green Polymer Chemistry.

Technical Abstract: This review briefly surveys the research done on green polymer chemistry in the past few years. For convenience, these research activities can be grouped into 8 themes: 1) greener catalysis, 2) diverse feedstock base, 3) degradable polymers and waste minimization, 4) recycling of polymer products and catalysts, 5) energy generation or minimization during use, 6) optimal molecular design and activity, 7) benign solvents, and 8) improved syntheses or processes in order to achieve atom economy, reaction efficiency, and reduced toxicity. All these areas have attracted worldwide attention, with contributions variously from academic, industrial, and government laboratories. Many new promising technologies are being developed. Whereas most aspects of green polymer chemistry are covered in this review, special attention has been paid to biocatalysis and biobased materials due to the specific research interests of the authors. Appropriate examples are provided, taken particularly from the articles included in this symposium volume.