atomic economy

Atomic economy refers to how efficiently a chemical reaction uses its starting materials by converting most of the atoms into the final desired products. It measures how well the atoms from the reactants are retained in the product, minimizing waste and unnecessary steps. High atomic economy indicates a more sustainable and cost-effective process, as fewer resources are wasted and less byproduct is produced. It’s an important concept in green chemistry, aiming to design reactions that make optimal use of all atoms involved, reducing environmental impact and increasing efficiency in chemical manufacturing.