Rules and benefits of Life Cycle Assessment in green chemical process and synthesis design: a tutorial review

Abstract

The implementation of Life Cycle Assessment and related methods in green chemical process and synthesis design strongly supports the development of greener concepts on the basis of deep and profound insights into the dependences between the selection of compounds and process parameters and the resulting environmental impacts. This review article provides an overview on things to know about LCA in general, specifics to be considered during its application in the field of chemical (re-)designs and current application examples from emerging research areas such as active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing, nanotechnology, flow chemistry, process intensification under harsh synthesis conditions, process integration, waste treatment, the use of alternative energy sources or solvents as well as chemistry based on renewable resources.