A chemist is evaluating two catalysts for a green oxidation reaction. Catalyst X costs $45 per gram and achieves a 78% yield, while Catalyst Y costs $60 per gram but achieves a 92% yield. The reaction targets 200 grams of product. What is the cost per gram of product for each catalyst, and which is more cost-efficient?

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:57:22 +0000

A chemist is evaluating two catalysts for a green oxidation reaction—Catalyst X and Catalyst Y—driven by growing interest in sustainable chemical processes. With increasing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing, selecting the right catalyst involves balancing performance, cost, and yield. As industries shift toward greener alternatives, optimizing catalytic reactions has become both a scientific and economic priority. Catalyst X offers availability at $45 per gram with a 78% yield, while Catalyst Y, priced higher at $60 per gram, delivers a superior 92% yield. With a target of 200 grams of product, understanding cost efficiency becomes crucial in decision-making. Why A chemist is evaluating two catalysts for a green oxidation reaction. Catalyst X costs $45 per gram and achieves a 78% yield, while Catalyst Y costs $60 per gram but achieves a 92% yield. The reaction targets 200 grams of product. This comparison reveals how material costs and efficiency influence real-world performance. Such decisions impact both R&D budgets and sustainable scalability, making cost-per-gram analysis vital for innovation. How A chemist is evaluating two catalysts for a green oxidation reaction. Catalyst X costs $45 per gram and achieves a 78% yield, while Catalyst Y costs $60 per gram but achieves a 92% yield. The reaction targets 200 grams of product. To determine cost efficiency, manufacturers calculate the total cost per final gram of product by dividing total input cost by product output. Catalyst X requires 200 grams of material at $45 per gram, totaling $9,000, then yields 156 grams (78% of 200). With Catalyst Y, the input cost is $12,000 (200 × $60), yielding 184 grams (92% of 200). Dividing input cost by final product reveals the cost per gram of target product: $9,000 ÷ 156 g ≈ $57.69 per gram for X, and $12,000 ÷ 184 g ≈ $65.22 per gram for Y. These figures show Catalyst X delivers a lower cost per gram of desired product. Common Questions People Have About A chemist is evaluating two catalysts for a green oxidation reaction. Catalyst X costs $45 per gram and achieves a 78% yield, while Catalyst Y costs $60 per gram but achieves a 92% yield. The reaction targets 200 grams of product. What is the cost per gram of product for each catalyst, and which is more cost-efficient?