Chapter 13, Problem 13.42P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The percent atom economy for the following reaction is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

All the reactant material is not necessarily converted to the desired product. Often, a non favored (side) product is also formed. If the reactant(s) is/are converted completely to the product, the conversion efficiency is 100%. This type of inherent efficiency of the reaction is called percent atom economy, and it is calculated using the equation

$\text{\% Atom economy = }\frac{\text{Mass of atoms in the desired product}}{\text{Mass of atoms in all reagents}}\text{ × 100}$

When the numerator and denominator are the same, the atom economy is $\text{100\%}$. On the other hand, when there are by-products that are not useful in the synthesis, the atom economy falls below $\text{100\%}$.