This paper examines two science news articles that highlight the practical applications of chemistry in everyday life. The first article discusses Professor Arkadi Vigalok's discovery that water can replace harmful solvents in complex oxidation reactions used by the plastics, oil, and pharmaceutical industries, making those manufacturing processes significantly more environmentally friendly. The second article reports on evidence presented to the American Chemical Society showing that glycyrrhizin, the active compound in licorice, can interfere with certain prescription drugs — particularly those taken by transplant patients — by affecting drug absorption rates. Together, both findings illustrate chemistry's broad real-world relevance, from environmental sustainability to consumer health safety.
From home interiors to driving to manufacturing, the talk of the world is going green. People are encouraged to drive green, live green, and even eat green. Beginning to realize that their actions have a large impact on the earth, people are trying to make every decision in an earth-friendly manner. According to Science News, however, green chemistry can actually make this transition easier. One article details how a chemist might be able to change the face of certain industries known for their pollution, while a second reveals how a common candy's active chemical compound may interfere with prescription medications. Together, these two findings demonstrate that chemistry is not merely theoretical — it is a practical science with wide-reaching consequences for both the environment and human health.
The article "Water Used to Make Complicated Chain of Chemical Reactions for Plastics and Medicines Much More Environmentally Friendly" details how Professor of Chemistry at Tel Aviv University Arkadi Vigalok has discovered that the addition of water to a series of complex chemical reactions used in manufacturing can make those reactions significantly more "green."
Traditionally, solvents — which are environmental pollutants — have been used to produce carboxylic acid, a component necessary for the plastics industry, the oil industry, and the production of medications. What Vigalok realized, however, is that water can be mixed with aldehydes before the oxidation process occurs. Because water and aldehydes do not mix, the aldehydes float on the water so that oxidation can take place. According to Science Daily, Vigalok was the first scientist to attempt this approach, and his contribution is certainly significant in the effort to make manufacturing more environmentally sound. The new process can reportedly be applied across anywhere from 10 to 20 reactions that are commonly used in manufacturing.
The future of Vigalok's discovery is not strictly limited to a few well-known industries. Vigalok and several other scientists have joined together to develop a new, environmentally friendly chemistry. As Vigalok himself states: "The plastics industry, the oil refinery business, every drug we take — they're all parts of the chemical industry, the biggest industry in the world by far. In making certain steps of the chemical process greener, we may not have an enormous impact on the environment at present, but we certainly challenge chemists to rethink methods used in traditional chemistry" ("Water Used"). Vigalok clearly sees the long-term impact of his work on both manufacturing and the environment, as well as on the broader study of chemistry.
Vigalok's discovery is actually more significant than even he may realize. The industries he identifies as being directly affected — plastics manufacturing, oil refineries, and medication production — are among those most frequently targeted for environmentally unsound practices. If scientific solutions can be found that allow these industries to continue producing their products without relying on damaging processes, the implications extend to other industries as well.
While many in the business sector have viewed the tension between environmental protection and economic growth as irreconcilable, Vigalok's work suggests this need not be the case. His discovery also carries implications for individual consumers. First, it underscores the importance of purchasing products manufactured using environmentally sound methods. If individuals choose to patronize such products, the perceived conflict between environment and economy will continue to shrink. Furthermore, Vigalok's discovery suggests that individuals can find alternatives to less environmentally friendly habits through a bit of creativity. While most people may not associate chemistry with contributions to environmental problems, Vigalok and his colleagues have demonstrated otherwise.
"Glycyrrhizin compound has medicinal and chemical properties"
"Licorice may disrupt absorption of prescription drugs"
"Chemistry solves real health and environmental problems"
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