Atom Economy Calculator

Maximize Reaction Efficiency & Sustainability

Calculate the atom economy of your chemical reactions to evaluate their efficiency and environmental impact. Enter the molar masses of all reactants and the desired product to get started.

Examples

See how atom economy is calculated for real reactions.

Synthesis of Water

Atom Economy

Calculate atom economy for the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen.

Reactant Molar Masses (g/mol): 2.0, 32.0 g/mol

Desired Product Molar Mass (g/mol): 18.0 g/mol

Reaction Equation: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Ethanol from Glucose Fermentation

Atom Economy

Atom economy for ethanol production from glucose.

Reactant Molar Masses (g/mol): 180.0 g/mol

Desired Product Molar Mass (g/mol): 92.0 g/mol

Reaction Equation: C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2

Ammonia Synthesis (Haber Process)

Atom Economy

Atom economy for ammonia production from nitrogen and hydrogen.

Reactant Molar Masses (g/mol): 28.0, 6.0 g/mol

Desired Product Molar Mass (g/mol): 34.0 g/mol

Reaction Equation: N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

Aspirin Synthesis

Atom Economy

Atom economy for the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride.

Reactant Molar Masses (g/mol): 138.1, 102.1 g/mol

Desired Product Molar Mass (g/mol): 180.2 g/mol

Reaction Equation: C7H6O3 + C4H6O3 → C9H8O4 + CH3COOH

Other Titles
Understanding Atom Economy: A Comprehensive Guide
Master the concept, calculation, and significance of atom economy in green chemistry.

What is Atom Economy?

  • Definition and Importance
  • Relation to Green Chemistry
  • Comparison with Yield
Atom economy is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction in terms of how well atoms in the reactants are utilized in the desired product. It is a key metric in green chemistry, aiming to minimize waste and maximize resource use.
Why Atom Economy Matters
Unlike percent yield, which only considers the amount of product obtained, atom economy evaluates the theoretical efficiency of a reaction. High atom economy means less waste and more sustainable processes.

Real-World Examples

  • Synthesis of water has 100% atom economy.
  • Aspirin synthesis has lower atom economy due to by-products.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Atom Economy Calculator

  • Input Requirements
  • Calculation Process
  • Interpreting Results
To use the calculator, enter the molar masses of all reactants and the desired product. Optionally, provide the reaction equation for clarity.
Calculation Formula
Atom Economy (%) = (Molar Mass of Desired Product / Sum of Molar Masses of All Reactants) × 100

Calculation Examples

  • Reactants: 2.0, 32.0; Product: 18.0 → Atom Economy = 56.25%
  • Reactants: 180.0; Product: 92.0 → Atom Economy = 51.11%

Real-World Applications of Atom Economy

  • Industrial Synthesis
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
  • Environmental Impact
Industries use atom economy to design more sustainable and cost-effective chemical processes. It is especially important in pharmaceuticals, where waste reduction is critical.
Green Chemistry in Practice
By maximizing atom economy, companies reduce raw material costs and environmental footprint.

Industrial Examples

  • Green synthesis of ibuprofen uses high atom economy routes.
  • Bulk chemical production optimized for atom economy.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Atom Economy vs. Yield
  • Role of By-Products
  • Balanced Equations
A common mistake is to confuse atom economy with percent yield. Atom economy is a theoretical value based on stoichiometry, not actual product obtained.
Avoiding Calculation Errors
Always use balanced equations and correct molar masses for accurate results.

Misconception Examples

  • Yield can be high even if atom economy is low.
  • Unbalanced equations lead to incorrect atom economy.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Formula Derivation
  • Worked Examples
  • Advanced Tips
The formula for atom economy is derived from the principle of conservation of mass and stoichiometry. It helps chemists design better reactions.
Sample Calculation
For the reaction: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, reactant molar masses are 2.0 and 32.0, product is 18.0. Atom Economy = (18.0 / (2.0 + 32.0)) × 100 = 52.94%.

Mathematical Examples

  • Aspirin synthesis: Atom Economy = (180.2 / (138.1 + 102.1)) × 100 = 65.5%
  • Ammonia synthesis: Atom Economy = (34.0 / (28.0 + 6.0)) × 100 = 94.44%