Relevance of CGCC

Green Chemistry, often also termed sustainable chemistry, is the formal descriptor behind every effort to make chemical reactions and/or processes environmentally benign. The reduction and, ultimately, the elimination of hazardous substances and solvents is a great challenge, because it requires that many classic chemical reactions have to be re-formatted and, in some cases, entirely re-invented.

CGCC is distinct from all other centres in Québec and Canada by virtue of its core focus on Green chemistry, catalysis, and the evaluation of new processes in terms of environmental impact. It has been created to specifically emphasize on Green initiatives, such as the invention and application of novel forms of catalysis (chemical and biological) combined with the development and use of environmentally safe solvents for various chemical reactions and processes. Through catalysis, which is required in more than 90% of all industrial chemical processes, our members will develop new green tools for the preparation of molecules with specific functions and will simultaneously study the environmental fate and biological effects of these reagents/catalysts that are introduced in the ecosystem. They will create a research environment where all aspects of a “Green" reaction will be scrutinized: from reaction efficacy to potential for environmental effects.

In other words, CGCC will present itself as a coherent, one-stop resource for industry and serves as a vital knowledge and information resource about all aspects of Green chemistry.

The scientific program of CGCC is designed to yield major conceptual scientific advances in areas in which Québec has already demonstrated its international leadership. More specifically, its mandate is to:

1. bring together talented researchers for the development of a new green chemistry;
2. enhance the quality of training by providing students with a first-class infrastructure, increased professional
support and scientific interactions with others in complementary disciplines;
3. enhance the sharing of the world-class infrastructure among centre members;
4. make significant advances in green chemistry/catalysis areas;
5. foster new fruitful collaborations among the members;
6. favor collaborations with other centres that rely on new molecules to fully evolve;
7. catalyze the creation of spin-off companies;
8. play a prominent role in public awareness of issues related to green chemistry.

CGCC is affilated with all major universities of Québec:

Université de Montréal
McGill University
Université Laval
Université de Sherbrooke
Concordia University
UQAM
École polytechnique