You are here:
EXPERIENCES IN DESIGNING SOLVENTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Citation:
Li**, M., P F. Harten*, AND H C. Cabezas*. EXPERIENCES IN DESIGNING SOLVENTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Presented at National Academy of Science 5th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, Washington, DC, June 26 - 28, 2001.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Solvents used throughout industry are chosen to meet specific technological requirements such as solute solubility, cleaning and degreasing, or being a medium for paints and coatings. With the increasing awareness of the human health effects and environmental tisks of solvent use, the replacement of solvents with more benign solvents should be explored. In our paper, we initially outline the elements of a solvent design theory. Based on this theory, we then discuss the PARIS II (Program for Assisting the Replacement of Industrial Solvents) solvent design algorithms and software. The PARIS II software designs technologically effective yet environmentally benign substitute solvents. We finally present and discuss several cases of solvent substitutes developed using PARIS II. These cases include substitutes for pure chemicals and mixtures involving components from a wide range of chemical families, including normal hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, aromatics, and organic and aqueous mixtures.