A chemist is designing a sustainable process where 5 moles of a biomass-derived feedstock produce 4 moles of a valuable chemical with 90% efficiency. If she starts with 120 moles of feedstock, how many moles of chemical are actually produced?

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

**The quiet revolution in sustainable chemistry: How efficient processes turn biomass into valuable products** In a growing wave of green innovation, chemists are reimagining industrial processes—turning renewable feedstocks into high-value chemicals with both precision and planet-friendly intent. A compelling example: a chemist optimizing a sustainable reaction where 5 moles of a biomass-derived starting material produce 4 moles of a target chemical, achieving 90% efficiency. If she begins with 120 moles of feedstock, what’s the real output—not just mathematically, but in terms of real-world chemistry and sustainable impact? ### Understanding the Sustainable Chemical Process This process transforms 5 moles of a renewable biomass feedstock into 4 moles of a valuable chemical—representing a 4:5 ratio in ideal conditions. With 90% efficiency, the system accounts for natural losses like side reactions or incomplete conversion, resulting in an effective output that reflects both theoretical potential and practical performance. Starting with 120 moles means the theoretical maximum is 96 moles of chemical; at 90% efficiency, the actual yield aligns closely with this benchmark. The number mirrors real-world yield expectations in advanced bio-based manufacturing, where process control and catalyst optimization play key roles.