Citation: Hongen Cao, Xinrui Xiao, Xu Zhang, Yiyang Zhang, Lei Yu. Element Transfer Reaction theory: Scientific connotation and its applications in chemical industry[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2025, 36(9): 110924. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.110924 shu

Element Transfer Reaction theory: Scientific connotation and its applications in chemical industry

Hongen Cao ^{a, b} ,
Xinrui Xiao ^a ,
Xu Zhang ^b ,
Yiyang Zhang ^{b, c} ,
Lei Yu ^{b, *,}

a.
College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
b.
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China
c.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China

yulei@yzu.edu.cn

Received Date: 14 November 2024
Revised Date: 14 January 2025
Accepted Date: 5 February 2025
Available Online: 7 February 2025

Figures(3)

Element Transfer Reaction (ETR) theory is a new fundamental theory guiding the design of synthetic routes. It analyses problems from a brand-new perspective of element circulation, decomposing the factors affecting synthetic efficiency into three elements: element sources, driving force, and output. Different from the retrosynthetic analysis method and the atom economy theory, the ETR theory places more emphasis on examining the problem as a whole and comprehensively considering various factors involved in industrial applications. This perspective intends to elaborate on the scientific connotation of the ETR theory and explore its characteristics by discussing the practical application cases.
- Element Transfer Reaction theory,
- Element source,
- Driving force,
- Output,
- Energy conservation,
- Atom economy
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