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By: Rohan Kunder.
Student, Department of Chemistry, JJTU University Vidyanagari, Churu Jhunjhunu Road, Chudela,
Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan 333001, India
Styrene oxide is a key intermediate used in the fragrance, flavour, polymer and pharmaceutical industries, basically synthesized through processes such as epoxidation followed by distillation. These methods generate effluents that give rise to significant environmental challenges and rendering large-scale commercial production non-viable. The urgency for a greener and more economically viable synthesis routes has given rise to the exploration of alternative methods that produces lesser effluent generation. Enzymatic synthesis offers a better approach; however, its application on an industrial scale is limited by factors such as the need of correct pH and very high cost of enzyme production. Various literature has shown that while enzymatic reaction can achieve high selectivity, its costs and operational difficulty limit their scalability. This paper focus on standardizing traditional chemical processes by integrating waste minimization procedures. For example, scalability techniques have been used to modify product-to-solvent ratios, thus reducing solvent waste and improving overall efficiency. Moreover, the implementation of solvent recovery systems and wastewater treatment protocols to reduce further environmental impact. This research paper aims to develop a more Eco-efficient synthesis method for styrene oxide by systematically analysing and reducing effluent generation at each production stage. Wherever possible, effluents is thus recycled within the process. The effluents that cannot be reused, treatment methods will be used to ensure their decomposition in an environmentally friendly manner, thereby reducing pollution. By integrating process optimization, waste reduction, and effluent treatment systems, this study seeks to contribute to the development of a more reliable and economically viable method for the synthesis of styrene oxide, without violating the principles of green chemistry.
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