’Green’ synthesis of amines from renewable resources? A detailed analysis of case studies using the CHEM21 Green Metrics Toolkit

Abstract

Amines play pivotal roles in both chemical industry processes and various biological functions, necessitating efficient and sustainable synthesis methodologies. Despite the emergence of greener catalytic methods in the past decades, assessing the environmental impact of these processes remains a challenge. While bio-based amine synthesis from renewable sources appears inherently green, comprehensive evaluation across diverse sustainability metrics is imperative. This tutorial review explores the methodology of such assessments, focusing on the systematic evaluation of amine synthesis pathways using the CHEM21 Green Metrics Toolkit. Targeting early career researchers, we provide a step-by-step demonstration to integrate this toolkit into laboratory practices, empowering researchers to evaluate the environmental footprint of their chemical transformations. By promoting the use of green metrics, we aim to foster a greater understanding of sustainability in chemical research and encourage environmentally conscious decision-making.