Focus Areas

Green chemistry technologies fit into at least one of the three focus areas below. Technologies that do not fit within at least one focus area may not fall within the scope of the program.

Focus Area 1: Greener Synthetic Pathways

This focus area involves designing and implementing a novel, green pathway to produce either a new or existing chemical substance.

Examples include synthetic pathways that:

Use greener feedstocks that are innocuous or renewable (e.g., biomass, triglycerides)
Use novel reagents or catalysts, including biocatalysts and microorganisms
Use natural processes, such as fermentation or biomimetic syntheses
Are atom-economical
Are convergent syntheses

Focus Area 2: Greener Reaction Conditions

This focus area involves improving conditions other than the overall design or redesign of a synthesis. Greener analytical methods often fall within this focus area.

Examples include reaction conditions that:

Replace hazardous solvents with solvents that have less impact on human health and the environment
Use solventless reaction conditions and solid-state reactions
Use novel processing methods that prevent pollution at its source
Eliminate energy- or material-intensive separation and purification steps
Improve energy efficiency, including reactions running closer to ambient conditions

Focus Area 3: The Design of Greener Chemicals

This focus area involves designing and implementing chemical products that replace more hazardous products.

Examples include chemical products that are:

Less toxic than current products
Inherently safer because they reduce the likelihood or severity of accidents
Recyclable or biodegradable after use
Safer for the atmosphere (e.g., do not deplete ozone or form smog)

Read on about the Award Categories.

Focus Areas

Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge

Local Navigation