2nd Edition

Introduction to Green Chemistry

By Albert S. Matlack Copyright 2010
    600 Pages 795 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    In the nearly 10 years since the publication of the bestselling first edition of Introduction to Green Chemistry, interest in green chemistry and clean processes has grown so much that topics, such as fluorous biphasic catalysis, metal organic frameworks, and process intensification, barely mentioned in the first edition, have become major areas of research. In addition, government funding has ramped up the development of fuel cells and biofuels. It reflects the evolving focus from pollution remediation to pollution prevention. Copiously illustrated with over 800 figures, this second edition provides an update from the frontiers of the field.

    New and expanded research topics:

    • Metal-organic frameworks
    • Solid acids for alkylation of isobutene by butanes
    • Carbon molecular sieves
    • Mixed micro- and mesoporous solids
    • Organocatalysis
    • Process intensification and gas phase enzymatic reactions
    • Hydrogen storage for fuel cells
    • Reactive distillation
    • Catalysts in action on an atomic scale

    Updated and expanded current events topics:

    • Industry resistance to inherently safer chemistry
    • Nuclear power
    • Removal of mercury from vaccines
    • Removal of mercury and lead from primary explosives
    • Biofuels
    • Uses for surplus glycerol
    • New hard materials to reduce wear
    • Electronic waste
    • Smart growth


    The book covers traditional green chemistry topics, including catalysis, benign solvents, and alternative feedstocks. It also discusses relevant but less frequently covered topics with chapters such as Chemistry of Longer Wear and Population and the Environment. This coverage highlights the importance of chemistry to everyday life and demonstrates the benefits the expanded exploitation of green chemistry can have for society.

    Introduction. Doing without Phosgene, Hydrogen Cyanide, and Formaldehyde. The Chlorine Controversy. Toxic Heavy Metal Ions. Solid Catalyst and Reagents for Ease of Workup. Solid Acids and Bases. Chemical Separations. Working Without Organic Solvents. Biocatalysis and Biodiversity. Stereochemistry. Agrochemicals. Materials for a Sustainable Economy. Chemistry of Longer Wear. Chemistry of Recycling. Energy and the Environment. Population and the Environment. Environmental Economics. Greening.