Atom Economy (T)

• What is meant by atom economy?

  Atom economy is a measure of the amount of starting material that ends up in useful products.
• Why is atom economy important?

  It saves money and increases sustainability by reducing waste.
• What is the formula for calculating atom economy?

  • Atom economy = (Relative formula mass of desired product / Sum of relative formula masses of all reactants) × 100
• Can atom economy be greater than 100%?

  No, atom economy cannot be greater than 100% because that would imply creating atoms.
• How do you calculate the relative formula mass of ethanol?

  The relative formula mass of ethanol is 92.
• What is the relative formula mass of iron chloride?

  127
• What is the atom economy for the reaction producing ethanol from glucose?

  The atom economy for the reaction is 51.1%.
• How do you calculate the atom economy for the reaction between iron and copper chloride?

  The atom economy for the reaction is 66.7%.
• What are the economic and environmental advantages of high atom economy?

  Economic advantages:

  • Saves money by minimizing waste products

  
  

  Environmental advantages:

  • Increases sustainability by conserving resources