Atom economy

• What is the main aim of the reaction discussed?

  To make hydrogen
• What is typically produced alongside the desired product in commercial chemical reactions?

  Multiple products, often waste
• What is the term used to describe the percentage of reactants converted into useful products?

  Atom economy
• How do you calculate atom economy?

  Divide desired product's mass by total reactants' mass
• 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 the reactants in the example given?

  46
• What is the atom economy of the reaction producing hydrogen?

  4.35%
• Why is a low atom economy considered unfavorable?

  It indicates high waste and low efficiency
• What is the atom economy of a reaction producing only ammonia?

  100%
• Why is it important to consider atom economy in chemical processes?

  • Raw materials are expensive
  • Less sustainable to waste reactants
  • Waste disposal can be costly and harmful
• What are some solutions to improve atom economy?

  • Use more efficient reactions
  • Find uses for waste products
• What factors should be considered for the profitability of a reaction?

  • Percentage yield
  • Cost of raw materials
  • Position of equilibrium
  • Rate of reaction
  • Cost of maintaining conditions