This contribution to SpringerBriefs in Green Chemistry outlines and discusses the four major
green chemistry metrics (atom economy reaction mass efficiency E factor and process mass
intensity) at a level that is comprehensible by upper-level undergraduates. Such students have
previously received fundamental training in organic chemistry basics and are ideally
positioned to learn about green chemistry principles of which metrics is one foundational
pillar. Following this other green metrics in common use are discussed along with
applications that allow important calculations to be easily undertaken. Finally an
introduction to metrics in the context of life cycle analyses is presented. It should be noted
that no other available publication teaches green chemistry metrics in detail with an emphasis
on educating undergraduates whilst simultaneously providing a contemporary industrial flavour
to the material.
