M9.3: Green Chemistry



I really love the idea of green chemistry because it is trying to create alternative products and chemicals that are safe for the environment and non toxic to our health. Since I started pharmacy school, I have learned a lot about medicinal chemistry and why certain chemical elements are used to develop a drug, it is a very interesting topic. The main goal is to create a drug that would give the target effect but at the same time not cause any toxicity to our body, I think it can resemble green chemistry. Our school have many research projects that are looking into natural products as a drug regiment which I think is a better and greener alternative than synthetic drugs, and it can apply to some of the 12 principles, such as avoiding chemical derivatives, avoid using solvents, design less hazardous chemicals and it may reduce pollution. I think the 12 principles is a great template for researchers and scientists to keep in mind when developing a product, to choose chemicals not only based on getting the best results but you want the right results, which is to not harm the environment and the humans populating them.  

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 25, 2018 at 1:18 PM

    I agree, the 12 principles are incredibly important for researchers and scientists to keep in mind while they develop a new products. Green chemistry just seems like the perfect method when it comes to creating new products. I am glad your school has research projects involving natural products as well. I think it is important for all pharmacy school to include such subjects into the curriculum.

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  2. UnknownMarch 26, 2018 at 4:01 PM

    I also really like that green chemistry tries to find alternative products to use on a daily basis. However, the scary part is that sometimes those alternative products can be just as harmful - if not more. I wish green chemistry was used a long time ago because it would do a great job at reducing pollution now, and possibly slow down global warming.

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