Atom Economy

• What is the main aim of the reaction discussed in the study material?

  To make hydrogen
• What is the significance of the other product in the reaction, carbon dioxide?

  It is considered waste
• What is the term used to describe the value that quantifies how much of the reactants form useful products?

  Atom economy
• How do you calculate atom economy?

  Divide the relative formula mass of the desired product by the total relative formula masses of all reactants, then multiply by 100
• What is the relative formula mass (mr) of hydrogen?

  2
• What is the relative formula mass (mr) of carbon monoxide?

  28
• What is the relative formula mass (mr) of water?

  18
• What is the total relative formula mass of all the reactants in the reaction?

  46
• What is the atom economy of the reaction that produces hydrogen from carbon monoxide and water?

  1. 35%
• Why is an atom economy of 4.35% considered low?

  Because it means that only 4.35% of the reactants are converted into the useful product
• What is the atom economy of the reaction producing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen?

  100%
• What are the main reasons to consider atom economy in chemical processes?

  • Raw materials are expensive
  • Less sustainable to use large quantities of reactants for small product amounts
  • Waste products can be costly to dispose of and harmful to the environment
• What are the best solutions to improve atom economy and waste management?

  • Use a more efficient reaction
  • Find a use for waste products as useful by-products
• What other factors should be considered when evaluating the profitability of a reaction?

  • Percentage yield
  • Cost of raw materials
  • Position of equilibrium
  • Rate of reaction
  • Cost of maintaining conditions (temperature and pressure)