Foreword Free

When I was asked to write the “Foreword” for the 2nd Edition of Green Analytical Chemistry, I asked if I may instead write the “Forward”. The reason for a “Forward” is because I see this book as leading the way and showing a vision of what is to be coming forth in Green Analytical Chemistry. Every bit as much as it is an essential reference for everyone who wishes to know the state of the science in this emerging field, it is equally a critical read for anyone who wants to know where the field is going in the future.

I congratulate Professor Koel and all of the excellent contributors for this valuable perspective on what is and what can be. As the book covers the wide range of challenges and successes ranging from emerging instrumental analyses, to novel approaches for sample preparation, new separation techniques and the rise of real-time/remote/integrated sensors, it gives us insights into what has evolved over the past decade. Perhaps even more importantly, it shows us that this progress that we've made thus far is just a beginning for the Green Analytical revolution. This book provides glimmers that show us that, by using the fundamentals of physical chemistry with a different, greener perspective, great strides can be made in understanding the character and the nature of the molecular tools of our trade.

While our analytical tools have allowed us to determine structures and quantify amounts, they have also allowed us to see the horizons beyond. With the knowledge of the physical/chemical/electronic properties being measured today, we can better connect those to the applications and utility that these properties enable. From the results of our deconstructive analyses we are able to deduce a constructive framework that enables new understanding and uses of our materials and molecules. Because of our past analyses, this enables us to create self-separations. Because of our past analyses, this enables us to invent ubiquitous, integrated sensors. Because of our past analyses, we are able to construct things never before thought possible. This is the future path that is implicit throughout this book, Green Analytical Chemistry.

I've often said, “The only reason to deeply understand a problem is to inform and empower its solution.” That is what this book does. It not only allows for an understanding of what is; it enables what can, and must, be in the future.

Paul T. Anastas

New Haven, CT, USA