An interactive solvent selection guide inspired by the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework

Solvent selection is an important aspect of Green Chemistry. A variety of solvent selection guides are available that rank solvents according to environmental impact, hazard, and compatibility with waste treatments. The ubiquitous tabular presentation of solvent selection guides provides a helpful introduction to green solvents but cannot be adapted to reflect the risk arising from each user's circumstances. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) is a framework for successful chemical substitution that encourages process redesign on a case-by-case basis. Here, we develop a template for a user-defined solvent selection guide based on SSbD principles. The user defines the reaction, acceptable ranges of solvent properties, and calculates the health risk from the process design. Solvents are recommended based on health, safety, environmental hazard, climate change and water use impact, and predicted conversion. Customisable solvent selection guides can be produced using a free online html editor.