Author: Justyna Płotka-Wasylka
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 981139105X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 460
Book Description
The book explains the principles and fundamentals of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) and highlights the current developments and future potential of the analytical green chemistry-oriented applications of various solutions. The book consists of sixteen chapters, including the history and milestones of GAC; issues related to teaching of green analytical chemistry and greening the university laboratories; evaluation of impact of analytical activities on the environmental and human health, direct techniques of detection, identification and determination of trace constituents; new achievements in the field of extraction of trace analytes from samples characterized by complex composition of the matrix; “green” nature of the derivatization process in analytical chemistry; passive techniques of sampling of analytes; green sorption materials used in analytical procedures; new types of solvents in the field of analytical chemistry. In addition green chromatography and related techniques, fast tests for assessment of the wide spectrum of pollutants in the different types of the medium, remote monitoring of environmental pollutants, qualitative and comparative evaluation, quantitative assessment, and future trends and perspectives are discussed. This book appeals to a wide readership of the academic and industrial researchers. In addition, it can be used in the classroom for undergraduate and graduate Ph.D. students focusing on elaboration of new analytical procedures for organic and inorganic compounds determination in different kinds of samples characterized by complex matrices composition.Jacek Namieśnik was a Professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland. Justyna Płotka-Wasylka is a teacher and researcher at the same department.
Green Analytical Chemistry
Author: Justyna Płotka-Wasylka
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 981139105X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 460
Book Description
The book explains the principles and fundamentals of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) and highlights the current developments and future potential of the analytical green chemistry-oriented applications of various solutions. The book consists of sixteen chapters, including the history and milestones of GAC; issues related to teaching of green analytical chemistry and greening the university laboratories; evaluation of impact of analytical activities on the environmental and human health, direct techniques of detection, identification and determination of trace constituents; new achievements in the field of extraction of trace analytes from samples characterized by complex composition of the matrix; “green” nature of the derivatization process in analytical chemistry; passive techniques of sampling of analytes; green sorption materials used in analytical procedures; new types of solvents in the field of analytical chemistry. In addition green chromatography and related techniques, fast tests for assessment of the wide spectrum of pollutants in the different types of the medium, remote monitoring of environmental pollutants, qualitative and comparative evaluation, quantitative assessment, and future trends and perspectives are discussed. This book appeals to a wide readership of the academic and industrial researchers. In addition, it can be used in the classroom for undergraduate and graduate Ph.D. students focusing on elaboration of new analytical procedures for organic and inorganic compounds determination in different kinds of samples characterized by complex matrices composition.Jacek Namieśnik was a Professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland. Justyna Płotka-Wasylka is a teacher and researcher at the same department.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 981139105X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 460
Book Description
The book explains the principles and fundamentals of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) and highlights the current developments and future potential of the analytical green chemistry-oriented applications of various solutions. The book consists of sixteen chapters, including the history and milestones of GAC; issues related to teaching of green analytical chemistry and greening the university laboratories; evaluation of impact of analytical activities on the environmental and human health, direct techniques of detection, identification and determination of trace constituents; new achievements in the field of extraction of trace analytes from samples characterized by complex composition of the matrix; “green” nature of the derivatization process in analytical chemistry; passive techniques of sampling of analytes; green sorption materials used in analytical procedures; new types of solvents in the field of analytical chemistry. In addition green chromatography and related techniques, fast tests for assessment of the wide spectrum of pollutants in the different types of the medium, remote monitoring of environmental pollutants, qualitative and comparative evaluation, quantitative assessment, and future trends and perspectives are discussed. This book appeals to a wide readership of the academic and industrial researchers. In addition, it can be used in the classroom for undergraduate and graduate Ph.D. students focusing on elaboration of new analytical procedures for organic and inorganic compounds determination in different kinds of samples characterized by complex matrices composition.Jacek Namieśnik was a Professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland. Justyna Płotka-Wasylka is a teacher and researcher at the same department.
Green Analytical Chemistry
Author: Miguel de la Guardia
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444537104
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 269
Book Description
This book provides basic coverage of the fundamentals and principles of green chemistry as it applies to chemical analysis. The main goal of Green Analytical Chemistry is to avoid or reduce the undesirable environmental side effects of chemical analysis, while preserving the classic analytical parameters of accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, and precision. The authors review the main strategies for greening analytical methods, concentrating on minimizing sample preparation and handling, reducing solvent and reagent consumption, reducing energy consumption, minimizing of waste, operator safety and the economic savings that this approach offers. Suggestions are made to educators and editors to standardize terminology in order to facilitate the identification of analytical studies on green alternatives in the literature because there is not a wide and generalized use of a common term that can group efforts to prevent waste, avoid the use of potentially toxic reagents or solvents and those involving the decontamination of wastes. - provides environmentally-friendly alternatives to established analytical practice - focuses on the cost-saving opportunities offered - emphasis on laboratory personnel safety
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444537104
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 269
Book Description
This book provides basic coverage of the fundamentals and principles of green chemistry as it applies to chemical analysis. The main goal of Green Analytical Chemistry is to avoid or reduce the undesirable environmental side effects of chemical analysis, while preserving the classic analytical parameters of accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, and precision. The authors review the main strategies for greening analytical methods, concentrating on minimizing sample preparation and handling, reducing solvent and reagent consumption, reducing energy consumption, minimizing of waste, operator safety and the economic savings that this approach offers. Suggestions are made to educators and editors to standardize terminology in order to facilitate the identification of analytical studies on green alternatives in the literature because there is not a wide and generalized use of a common term that can group efforts to prevent waste, avoid the use of potentially toxic reagents or solvents and those involving the decontamination of wastes. - provides environmentally-friendly alternatives to established analytical practice - focuses on the cost-saving opportunities offered - emphasis on laboratory personnel safety
Green Analytical Chemistry
Author: Mihkel Koel
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 178262600X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Concerns about environmental pollution, global climate change and hazards to human health have increased dramatically. This has led to a call for change in chemical processes including those that are part of chemical analysis. The development of analytical chemistry continues and every new discovery in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, and materials science brings new opportunities and challenges. Yet, contemporary analytical chemistry does not consume resources optimally. Indeed, the usage of toxic chemical compounds is at the highest rate ever. All this makes the emerging field of green chemistry a “hot topic” in industrial, governmental laboratories as well as in academia. This book starts by introducing the twelve principles of green chemistry. It then goes on to discuss how the principles of green chemistry can be used to assess the ‘greenness’ of analytical methodologies. The ‘green profile’ proposed by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute is also presented. A chapter on “Greening” sample preparation describes approaches to minimizing toxic solvent use, using non-toxic alternatives, and saving energy. The chapter on instrumental methods describes existing analytical approaches that are inherently green and making non-green methods greener. The final chapter on signal acquisition describes how quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) ideas could reduce experimental work thus making analysis greener. The book concludes with a discussion of how green chemistry is both possible and necessary. Green Analytical Chemistry is aimed at managers of analytical laboratories but will also interest teachers of analytical chemistry and green public policy makers.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 178262600X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Concerns about environmental pollution, global climate change and hazards to human health have increased dramatically. This has led to a call for change in chemical processes including those that are part of chemical analysis. The development of analytical chemistry continues and every new discovery in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, and materials science brings new opportunities and challenges. Yet, contemporary analytical chemistry does not consume resources optimally. Indeed, the usage of toxic chemical compounds is at the highest rate ever. All this makes the emerging field of green chemistry a “hot topic” in industrial, governmental laboratories as well as in academia. This book starts by introducing the twelve principles of green chemistry. It then goes on to discuss how the principles of green chemistry can be used to assess the ‘greenness’ of analytical methodologies. The ‘green profile’ proposed by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute is also presented. A chapter on “Greening” sample preparation describes approaches to minimizing toxic solvent use, using non-toxic alternatives, and saving energy. The chapter on instrumental methods describes existing analytical approaches that are inherently green and making non-green methods greener. The final chapter on signal acquisition describes how quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) ideas could reduce experimental work thus making analysis greener. The book concludes with a discussion of how green chemistry is both possible and necessary. Green Analytical Chemistry is aimed at managers of analytical laboratories but will also interest teachers of analytical chemistry and green public policy makers.
Handbook of Green Analytical Chemistry
Author: Miguel de la Guardia
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470972017
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 569
Book Description
The emerging field of green analytical chemistry is concerned with the development of analytical procedures that minimize consumption of hazardous reagents and solvents, and maximize safety for operators and the environment. In recent years there have been significant developments in methodological and technological tools to prevent and reduce the deleterious effects of analytical activities; key strategies include recycling, replacement, reduction and detoxification of reagents and solvents. The Handbook of Green Analytical Chemistry provides a comprehensive overview of the present state and recent developments in green chemical analysis. A series of detailed chapters, written by international specialists in the field, discuss the fundamental principles of green analytical chemistry and present a catalogue of tools for developing environmentally friendly analytical techniques. Topics covered include: Concepts: Fundamental principles, education, laboratory experiments and publication in green analytical chemistry. The Analytical Process: Green sampling techniques and sample preparation, direct analysis of samples, green methods for capillary electrophoresis, chromatography, atomic spectroscopy, solid phase molecular spectroscopy, derivative molecular spectroscopy and electroanalytical methods. Strategies: Energy saving, automation, miniaturization and photocatalytic treatment of laboratory wastes. Fields of Application: Green bioanalytical chemistry, biodiagnostics, environmental analysis and industrial analysis. This advanced handbook is a practical resource for experienced analytical chemists who are interested in implementing green approaches in their work.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470972017
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 569
Book Description
The emerging field of green analytical chemistry is concerned with the development of analytical procedures that minimize consumption of hazardous reagents and solvents, and maximize safety for operators and the environment. In recent years there have been significant developments in methodological and technological tools to prevent and reduce the deleterious effects of analytical activities; key strategies include recycling, replacement, reduction and detoxification of reagents and solvents. The Handbook of Green Analytical Chemistry provides a comprehensive overview of the present state and recent developments in green chemical analysis. A series of detailed chapters, written by international specialists in the field, discuss the fundamental principles of green analytical chemistry and present a catalogue of tools for developing environmentally friendly analytical techniques. Topics covered include: Concepts: Fundamental principles, education, laboratory experiments and publication in green analytical chemistry. The Analytical Process: Green sampling techniques and sample preparation, direct analysis of samples, green methods for capillary electrophoresis, chromatography, atomic spectroscopy, solid phase molecular spectroscopy, derivative molecular spectroscopy and electroanalytical methods. Strategies: Energy saving, automation, miniaturization and photocatalytic treatment of laboratory wastes. Fields of Application: Green bioanalytical chemistry, biodiagnostics, environmental analysis and industrial analysis. This advanced handbook is a practical resource for experienced analytical chemists who are interested in implementing green approaches in their work.
Challenges in Green Analytical Chemistry
Author: Salvador Garrigues
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1788015371
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Covering topics including solvent selection, miniaturization and metrics for the evaluation of greenness this is a useful resource for researchers interested in reducing the risks and environmental impacts of analytical methods.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1788015371
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Covering topics including solvent selection, miniaturization and metrics for the evaluation of greenness this is a useful resource for researchers interested in reducing the risks and environmental impacts of analytical methods.
Green Extraction Techniques: Principles, Advances and Applications
Author:
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444638695
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 676
Book Description
Green Extraction Techniques: Principles, Advances and Applications, Volume 76, the first work to compile all the multiple green extraction techniques and applications currently available, provides the most recent analytical advances in the main green extraction techniques. This new release includes a variety of comprehensively presented topics, including chapters on Green Analytical Chemistry: The Role of Green Extraction Techniques, Bioactives Obtained From Plants, Seaweeds, Microalgae and Food By-Products Using Pressurized Liquid Extraction and Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Pressurized Hot Water Extraction of Bioactives, and Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Organic Contaminants in Environmental and Food Samples. In this ongoing serial, in-depth, emerging green extraction approaches are discussed, together with their miniaturization and combination, showing the newest technologies that have been developed in the last few years for each case and providing a picture of the most innovative applications with further insights into future trends. - Compiles all the multiple green extraction techniques currently available, along with their applications - Includes the most recent analytical advances in the main green extraction techniques, along with their working principles - Covers emerging green extraction approaches, their miniaturization and combination and an insight into future trends
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444638695
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 676
Book Description
Green Extraction Techniques: Principles, Advances and Applications, Volume 76, the first work to compile all the multiple green extraction techniques and applications currently available, provides the most recent analytical advances in the main green extraction techniques. This new release includes a variety of comprehensively presented topics, including chapters on Green Analytical Chemistry: The Role of Green Extraction Techniques, Bioactives Obtained From Plants, Seaweeds, Microalgae and Food By-Products Using Pressurized Liquid Extraction and Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Pressurized Hot Water Extraction of Bioactives, and Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Organic Contaminants in Environmental and Food Samples. In this ongoing serial, in-depth, emerging green extraction approaches are discussed, together with their miniaturization and combination, showing the newest technologies that have been developed in the last few years for each case and providing a picture of the most innovative applications with further insights into future trends. - Compiles all the multiple green extraction techniques currently available, along with their applications - Includes the most recent analytical advances in the main green extraction techniques, along with their working principles - Covers emerging green extraction approaches, their miniaturization and combination and an insight into future trends
Deep Eutectic Solvents
Author: Diego J. Ramón
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3527345183
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
A useful guide to the fundamentals and applications of deep eutectic solvents Deep Eutectic Solvents contains a comprehensive review of the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an environmentally benign alternative reaction media for chemical transformations and processes. The contributors cover a range of topics including synthesis, structure, properties, toxicity and biodegradability of DESs. The book also explores myriad applications in various disciplines, such as organic synthesis and (bio)catalysis, electrochemistry, extraction, analytical chemistry, polymerizations, (nano)materials preparation, biomass processing, and gas adsorption. The book is aimed at organic chemists, catalytic chemists, pharmaceutical chemists, biochemists, electrochemists, and others involved in the design of eco-friendly reactions and processes. This important book: -Explores the promise of DESs as an environmentally benign alternative to hazardous organic solvents -Covers the synthesis, structure, properties (incl. toxicity) as well as a wide range of applications -Offers a springboard for stimulating critical discussion and encouraging further advances in the field Deep Eutectic Solvents is an interdisciplinary resource for researchers in academia and industry interested in the many uses of DESs as an environmentally benign alternative reaction media.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3527345183
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
A useful guide to the fundamentals and applications of deep eutectic solvents Deep Eutectic Solvents contains a comprehensive review of the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an environmentally benign alternative reaction media for chemical transformations and processes. The contributors cover a range of topics including synthesis, structure, properties, toxicity and biodegradability of DESs. The book also explores myriad applications in various disciplines, such as organic synthesis and (bio)catalysis, electrochemistry, extraction, analytical chemistry, polymerizations, (nano)materials preparation, biomass processing, and gas adsorption. The book is aimed at organic chemists, catalytic chemists, pharmaceutical chemists, biochemists, electrochemists, and others involved in the design of eco-friendly reactions and processes. This important book: -Explores the promise of DESs as an environmentally benign alternative to hazardous organic solvents -Covers the synthesis, structure, properties (incl. toxicity) as well as a wide range of applications -Offers a springboard for stimulating critical discussion and encouraging further advances in the field Deep Eutectic Solvents is an interdisciplinary resource for researchers in academia and industry interested in the many uses of DESs as an environmentally benign alternative reaction media.
Green Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry
Author: Wei Zhang
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119288584
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1127
Book Description
An updated overview of the rapidly developing field of green techniques for organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry Green chemistry remains a high priority in modern organic synthesis and pharmaceutical R&D, with important environmental and economic implications. This book presents comprehensive coverage of green chemistry techniques for organic and medicinal chemistry applications, summarizing the available new technologies, analyzing each technique’s features and green chemistry characteristics, and providing examples to demonstrate applications for green organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. The extensively revised edition of Green Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry includes 7 entirely new chapters on topics including green chemistry and innovation, green chemistry metrics, green chemistry and biological drugs, and the business case for green chemistry in the generic pharmaceutical industry. It is divided into 4 parts. The first part introduces readers to the concepts of green chemistry and green engineering, global environmental regulations, green analytical chemistry, green solvents, and green chemistry metrics. The other three sections cover green catalysis, green synthetic techniques, and green techniques and strategies in the pharmaceutical industry. Includes more than 30% new and updated material—plus seven brand new chapters Edited by highly regarded experts in the field (Berkeley Cue is one of the fathers of Green Chemistry in Pharma) with backgrounds in academia and industry Brings together a team of international authors from academia, industry, government agencies, and consultancies (including John Warner, one of the founders of the field of Green Chemistry) Green Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry, Second Edition is an essential resource on green chemistry technologies for academic researchers, R&D professionals, and students working in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119288584
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1127
Book Description
An updated overview of the rapidly developing field of green techniques for organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry Green chemistry remains a high priority in modern organic synthesis and pharmaceutical R&D, with important environmental and economic implications. This book presents comprehensive coverage of green chemistry techniques for organic and medicinal chemistry applications, summarizing the available new technologies, analyzing each technique’s features and green chemistry characteristics, and providing examples to demonstrate applications for green organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. The extensively revised edition of Green Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry includes 7 entirely new chapters on topics including green chemistry and innovation, green chemistry metrics, green chemistry and biological drugs, and the business case for green chemistry in the generic pharmaceutical industry. It is divided into 4 parts. The first part introduces readers to the concepts of green chemistry and green engineering, global environmental regulations, green analytical chemistry, green solvents, and green chemistry metrics. The other three sections cover green catalysis, green synthetic techniques, and green techniques and strategies in the pharmaceutical industry. Includes more than 30% new and updated material—plus seven brand new chapters Edited by highly regarded experts in the field (Berkeley Cue is one of the fathers of Green Chemistry in Pharma) with backgrounds in academia and industry Brings together a team of international authors from academia, industry, government agencies, and consultancies (including John Warner, one of the founders of the field of Green Chemistry) Green Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry, Second Edition is an essential resource on green chemistry technologies for academic researchers, R&D professionals, and students working in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
Green Chemistry Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry
Author: Sally A. Henrie
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482230216
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
Green chemistry involves designing novel ways to create and synthesize products and implement processes that will eliminate or greatly reduce negative environmental impacts. Providing educational laboratory materials that challenge students with the customary topics found in a general chemistry laboratory manual, this lab manual enables students to see how green chemistry principles can be applied to real-world issues. Following a consistent format, each lab experiment includes objectives, prelab questions, and detailed step-by-step procedures for performing the experiments. Additional questions encourage further research about how green chemistry principles compare with traditional, more hazardous experimental methods.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482230216
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
Green chemistry involves designing novel ways to create and synthesize products and implement processes that will eliminate or greatly reduce negative environmental impacts. Providing educational laboratory materials that challenge students with the customary topics found in a general chemistry laboratory manual, this lab manual enables students to see how green chemistry principles can be applied to real-world issues. Following a consistent format, each lab experiment includes objectives, prelab questions, and detailed step-by-step procedures for performing the experiments. Additional questions encourage further research about how green chemistry principles compare with traditional, more hazardous experimental methods.
Alternative Solvents for Green Chemistry
Author: Francesca Kerton
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1782626131
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 365
Book Description
Everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious and therefore, chemical processes are being developed with their environmental burden in mind. This also means that more traditional chemical methods are being replaced with new innovations and this includes new solvents. Solvents are everywhere, but how necessary are they? They are used in most areas including synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical production and processing, the food and flavour industry and the materials and coatings sectors. However, the principles of green chemistry guide us to use less of them, or to use safer, more environmentally friendly solvents if they are essential. Therefore, we should always ask ourselves, do we really need a solvent? Green chemistry, as a relatively new sub-discipline, is a rapidly growing field of research. Alternative solvents - including supercritical fluids and room temperature ionic liquids - form a significant portion of research in green chemistry. This is in part due to the hazards of many conventional solvents (e.g. toxicity and flammability) and the significant contribution that solvents make to the waste generated in many chemical processes. Solvents are important in analytical chemistry, product purification, extraction and separation technologies, and also in the modification of materials. Therefore, in order to make chemistry more sustainable in these fields, a knowledge of alternative, greener solvents is important. This book, which is part of a green chemistry series, uses examples that tie in with the 12 principles of green chemistry e.g. atom efficient reactions in benign solvents and processing of renewable chemicals/materials in green solvents. Readers get an overview of the many different kinds of solvents, written in such a way to make the book appropriate to newcomers to the field and prepare them for the 'green choices' available. The book also removes some of the mystique associated with 'alternative solvent' choices and includes information on solvents in different fields of chemistry such as analytical and materials chemistry in addition to catalysis and synthesis. The latest research developments, not covered elsewhere, are included such as switchable solvents and biosolvents. Also, some important areas that are often overlooked are described such as naturally sourced solvents (including ethanol and ethyl lactate) and liquid polymers (including poly(ethyleneglycol) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)). As well as these additional alternative solvents being included, the book takes a more general approach to solvents, not just focusing on the use of solvents in synthetic chemistry. Applications of solvents in areas such as analysis are overviewed in addition to the more widely recognised uses of alternative solvents in organic synthesis. Unfortunately, as the book shows, there is no universal green solvent and readers must ascertain their best options based on prior chemistry, cost, environmental benefits and other factors. It is important to try and minimize the number of solvent changes in a chemical process and therefore, the importance of solvents in product purification, extraction and separation technologies are highlighted. The book is aimed at newcomers to the field whether research students beginning investigations towards their thesis or industrial researchers curious to find out if an alternative solvent would be suitable in their work.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1782626131
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 365
Book Description
Everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious and therefore, chemical processes are being developed with their environmental burden in mind. This also means that more traditional chemical methods are being replaced with new innovations and this includes new solvents. Solvents are everywhere, but how necessary are they? They are used in most areas including synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical production and processing, the food and flavour industry and the materials and coatings sectors. However, the principles of green chemistry guide us to use less of them, or to use safer, more environmentally friendly solvents if they are essential. Therefore, we should always ask ourselves, do we really need a solvent? Green chemistry, as a relatively new sub-discipline, is a rapidly growing field of research. Alternative solvents - including supercritical fluids and room temperature ionic liquids - form a significant portion of research in green chemistry. This is in part due to the hazards of many conventional solvents (e.g. toxicity and flammability) and the significant contribution that solvents make to the waste generated in many chemical processes. Solvents are important in analytical chemistry, product purification, extraction and separation technologies, and also in the modification of materials. Therefore, in order to make chemistry more sustainable in these fields, a knowledge of alternative, greener solvents is important. This book, which is part of a green chemistry series, uses examples that tie in with the 12 principles of green chemistry e.g. atom efficient reactions in benign solvents and processing of renewable chemicals/materials in green solvents. Readers get an overview of the many different kinds of solvents, written in such a way to make the book appropriate to newcomers to the field and prepare them for the 'green choices' available. The book also removes some of the mystique associated with 'alternative solvent' choices and includes information on solvents in different fields of chemistry such as analytical and materials chemistry in addition to catalysis and synthesis. The latest research developments, not covered elsewhere, are included such as switchable solvents and biosolvents. Also, some important areas that are often overlooked are described such as naturally sourced solvents (including ethanol and ethyl lactate) and liquid polymers (including poly(ethyleneglycol) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)). As well as these additional alternative solvents being included, the book takes a more general approach to solvents, not just focusing on the use of solvents in synthetic chemistry. Applications of solvents in areas such as analysis are overviewed in addition to the more widely recognised uses of alternative solvents in organic synthesis. Unfortunately, as the book shows, there is no universal green solvent and readers must ascertain their best options based on prior chemistry, cost, environmental benefits and other factors. It is important to try and minimize the number of solvent changes in a chemical process and therefore, the importance of solvents in product purification, extraction and separation technologies are highlighted. The book is aimed at newcomers to the field whether research students beginning investigations towards their thesis or industrial researchers curious to find out if an alternative solvent would be suitable in their work.