White Analytical Chemistry: An approach to reconcile the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry and functionality

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Vol. 138; p. 116223
• Main Authors: Nowak, Paweł Mateusz, Wietecha-Posłuszny, Renata, Pawliszyn, Janusz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-05-2021
• Subjects: Analytical method; Assessment tool; Green analytical chemistry; RGB model; Sample preparation; Sustainable development; Assessment tool; Green analytical chemistry; Sample preparation; Sustainable development; Analytical method; RGB model
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116223

The concept of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC) is presented as an extension of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC). We propose the 12 WAC principles as an alternative to the known 12 GAC principles. In addition to green aspects, WAC takes into account other key criteria affecting the quality of the method, analytical (red) and practical (blue). In reference to the RGB color model, according to which mixing of red, green and blue light beams gives the impression of whiteness, a white analytical method shows the coherence and synergy of the analytical, ecological and practical attributes. Whiteness can also be quantified, based on the assessment of individual principles, as a convenient parameter useful in comparisons and selecting optimal method. WAC is closer to the idea of sustainable development due to a more holistic view, as it strives for a compromise that avoids an unconditional increase in greenness at the expense of functionality.
[Display omitted]
•The concept of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC) was presented.•WAC is an extension and complement to Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC).•WAC merges Green (ecological), Red (analytical) and Blue (practical) perspectives.•12 principles of WAC were proposed as an alternative to 12 principles of GAC.•A simple-in-use algorithm (RGB 12) was presented for assessing analytical methods.