Tools and techniques

Acids and bases selection guide

The development of the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reagent selection guides is based on rigorous scientific research and environmental health and safety analysis (Adams et al., 2013). An overview of the development process and the key characteristics considered in creating these guides is summarised below. These guides evaluate and rank commonly used reagents for 15 key chemical transformations, assisting scientists in making environmentally friendly choices in the laboratory. Excerpts were shown in the preceding pages on reductive amination and oxidation.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has extended its commitment to sustainability by developing acid and base selection guides, utilising the same methodology employed in creating their reagent guides (Henderson et al., 2015). Solubility, boiling point, ease of handling, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) factors play crucial roles in the selection process. The original guides provide additional insights into sustainable alternatives when multiple options are available, offering pKa data for each acid and base. The scoring system encompasses factors like the generation of gaseous, flammable, or toxic by-products and suitable disposal methods in the Clean chemistry and Greenness categories.