3. Conclusion

Over the next few years, the chemical industry, and organic chemistry in particular, will have to come to terms with environmental issues and the scarcity of fossil-based raw materials. As a result, the notions of sustainable development and green or eco-compatible chemistry are likely to take pride of place among industrialists and public authorities alike, even if this is a long-standing industrial concern. Moreover, the new European REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of CHemicals), which came into force on 1 ^er June 2007, urges the chemical industry to go green "by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to prove the harmlessness of their products to health and the environment before they are placed on the market".

Based on the principles set out above, the organic chemistry of the...