atom economy

chemistry

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July 20, 2026

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Atom economy is a principle of green chemistry that focuses on maximizing the efficiency of chemical reactions. It aims to ensure that as many atoms from the reactants as possible are incorporated into the final desired product, thereby minimizing the creation of by-products or waste. This concept was developed to provide a more accurate measure of reaction efficiency than traditional "yield" calculations, which often ignored environmentally hazardous materials. By prioritizing atom economy, chemists strive to design synthetic processes that are more sustainable and produce less pollution.1

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green chemistry
Atom economy
Of these principles, “atom economy,” originally suggested by American chemist Barry Trost in 1973, became a central concept among green chemistry researchers. Atom economy was designed to overcome the limitations of the traditional concept of “yield,” the amount of final products, which was…
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Of these principles, “atom economy,” originally suggested by American chemist Barry Trost in 1973, became a central concept among green chemistry researchers. Atom economy was designed to overcome the limitations of the traditional concept of “yield,” the amount of final products, which was…
Read More