Green Chemistry

Question of the Day: What makes an experiment green?

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
Name some of the principles of green chemistry.
Compare two procedures to prepare the same product, identify the procedure in which
principles of green chemistry have been implemented and label those principles.
Identify details of an experiment that can be changed to conform with the principles of
green chemistry and implement those changes.

1. In your group, write a definition of green chemistry.

2. Compare the two procedures below for the synthesis of creatine. Identify three
differences between the two procedures.
Procedure A:
To a solution of sarcosine (0.89 g, 1 equiv.) in ethanol (5 mL) was added solid sodium chloride
(0.58 g, 1 equiv.). To a separate flask containing a solution of cyanamide (0.84 g, 2 equiv.) in
distilled water (2 mL) was added concentrated (28%) ammonium hydroxide (2 mL). The two
solutions were combined and stirred at 50 C for 1 hr. The product was isolated by vacuum
filtration from the waste dicyanodiamide in concentrated ammonia solution.
Procedure B:
To a solution of sarcosine (0.89 g, 1 equiv.) in distilled water (5 mL) was added a solution of
cyanamide (0.42 g, 1 equiv.) in distilled water (2 mL). A portion of dilute (5%) ammonium
hydroxide (2 mL) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The product
was isolated by vacuum filtration from the waste dilute ammonia solution.

3. Your instructor will provide you a copy of the green chemistry principles. For each
difference you listed, determine if a green chemistry principle was applied. If it was, label
the difference with the green chemistry principle that was applied.

Pretend you are a professor and want your students to perform a precipitation reaction. They
will collect the precipitate and weigh it. At the end of the experiment, all materials must be
disposed of correctly and safely.
The procedure in the textbook calls for mixing silver nitrate with sodium chloride. The safety
warning alerts you that silver salts are toxic.
4. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that would occur. Include all
physical states.

5. What is the precipitate?

6. Does the reaction produce hazardous waste?

7. How might you make this experiment more green?
8. Write a precipitation reaction for which the product is less hazardous.
9. What principle of green chemistry was employed in making this change?