Benign Synthesis

Abstract

Developing a less toxic synthesis requires knowledge of toxicology, and an understanding of why some chemicals are toxic and some are benign. Toxicology concerns the severity and potency of chemicals, and an understanding of the types of dose–response curves. Many databases are available for chemical toxicity to help choose less toxic chemicals. Safety Data Sheets are the most useful for determining the toxicity of specific chemicals. The QD Vision case study described the less toxic synthesis of Cd-based QLEDs for use in energy-efficient televisions. Oxidation and reduction are two types of reactions that involve serious toxicity, but chemists have invented much greener processes for both of these reaction types. Improving redox reactions is currently a very active area of green chemistry.