Catalysis plays a pivotal role in developing safer chemicals through several strategies: 1. Selective Catalysis: Catalysts can enhance the selectivity of reactions, producing fewer by-products and reducing waste. 2. Biocatalysis: Enzymes and other biological catalysts often operate under mild conditions and are biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly options. 3. Heterogeneous Catalysis: Solid catalysts can be easily separated from products, reducing the need for hazardous solvents and simplifying the purification process. 4. Atom Economy: Catalysts can improve atom economy by ensuring that a higher proportion of reactants end up in the final product, minimizing waste.
