[Biggsx]

Could anyone explain to me how a reaction can have a high percentage yield but a low atom economy? I understand it but can only seem to explain it in a load of rambling that won't really make sense to any examiners...

Also - What are the benefits to society of a high atom economy?

Thanks again!

[EierVonSatan]

You can have a reaction which gives a good yield of the desired product but also has lots of useless by-products

for example: Na2CO3 + 2HCl ---> 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O you can obtain NaCl in 100% yield but you're still going to lose mass in the CO2 and H2O, and atom economy is bass based

benefits to society? less waste and higher efficiency I guess?

[prettyboy_bn]

Or Na2Co3 decomposed to C02 and Ca0

[charco]

(Original post by prettyboy_bn)
Or Na2Co3 decomposed to C02 and Ca0