Fundamentals of green chemistry: efficiency in reaction design

In this tutorial review, the fundamental concepts underlying the principles of green and sustainable chemistry--atom and step economy and the E factor--are presented, within the general context of efficiency in organic synthesis. The importance of waste minimisation through the widespread application of catalysis in all its forms--homogeneous, heterogeneous, organocatalysis and biocatalysis--is discussed. These general principles are illustrated with simple practical examples, such as alcohol oxidation and carbonylation and the asymmetric reduction of ketones. The latter reaction is exemplified by a three enzyme process for the production of a key intermediate in the synthesis of the cholesterol lowering…