Development of the Discipline of Green Chemistry

The idea of ‘green activities’ involving conservation of natural resources and preservation of human environment, although originated earlier in mid-twentieth century, the systematic studies on green chemical processes and prevention of pollution actually started in 1998 with the introduction of 12 Principles by Anastas and others. Eventually, the ‘green activities’ in chemistry have been developed into a field of basic research in chemical science known as Green Chemistry. It stresses on maximization in production of the desired product by minimizing the generation of undesirable products and wastes at minimum cost of energy. It also prefers prevention of pollution instead of disposal of the hazardous waste after its formation.