Design syntheses so that the final product contains the maximum proportion of the starting materials. Waste few or no atoms.

Use catalysts which are effective in small amounts and can carry out a single reaction many times. Don't use stoichiometric reagents which react only once.

Use starting materials {also known as feedstocks) that are renewable rather than depletable.

Design products that break down to innocuous substances after use

choose the materials for the process which are non-explosive or non-flammable wherever it is possible

Design syntheses to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to either humans or the environment.

Minimize the production of unnecessary compounds. Derivatives use additional reagents and generate waste.

Avoid using solvents, separation agents or other auxiliary chemicals. If you must use these chemicals, use safer ones.

Run chemical reactions at room temperature and pressure whenever possible

Design chemical syntheses to prevent waste. Leave no waste to treat or clean up.

Include in-process monitoring to minimise or eliminate the formation of byproducts

Design chemical products that are fully effective yet have little or no toxicity.