Updated May 16, 2026
Reagent swap suggestions
Greener and safer alternatives for reagents and solvents.
Hover over any reaction step to see swap suggestions when safer or greener alternatives exist for the reagents or solvents used in that step.
Categories of suggestions
- Solvent swaps — common substitutions like DCM → ethyl acetate, THF → 2-MeTHF, DMF → Cyrene. Based on the ACS GCI Solvent Selection Guide.
- Reagent swaps — alternatives like chromium oxidants → catalytic TEMPO, NaBH₄ → transfer hydrogenation.
- Reaction-type tips — general optimization strategies for common reaction classes (Suzuki coupling, amide coupling, reductions, etc.).
Suggestion tags
Each suggestion shows the original and alternative molecules with a brief explanation of why the swap is recommended. Tags include:
- Greener — lower PMI, better solvent rating, or reduced waste
- Safer — lower hazard classification (e.g., less toxic, less flammable)
- Cheaper — substantially lower reagent cost
- Milder — lower temperature, less aggressive conditions