Sustainable Design, Synthesis, and Applications of Heteroatom-Containing Functional Molecules

Green chemistry is an evolving field dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of chemical processes and products by reducing the use and generation of hazardous substances. Within this context, heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, fluorine, boron, and silicon occupy prominent roles, as they are integral to the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules, functional materials, and advanced technologies. However, traditional routes to heteroatom-containing compounds often rely on hazardous reagents, generate significant waste, and raise environmental and health concerns. Recent studies have demonstrated innovative approaches to making these chemistries more sustainable, including atom-economical reactions, solvent-free protocols, catalytic heteroatom transfer, and the use of benign reagents. Yet challenges remain in fully integrating green chemistry principles into the design and synthesis of heteroatom-containing molecules, as well as in monitoring and analyzing their life-cycle impacts.

The main goal of this Research Topic is to facilitate the development and dissemination of sustainable synthetic strategies tailored to heteroatom-containing functional molecules. By focusing on green alternatives and innovative approaches, the aim is to reduce the environmental and safety burdens associated with these essential chemical processes. The Research Topic seeks to encourage contributions that address the design of safer methodologies, the development of new materials, and the evaluation of sustainability metrics, driving progress toward more eco-friendly chemical innovations across the heteroatom landscape.

This Research Topic will focus on synthetic methodologies and sustainability considerations in the preparation and application of heteroatom-containing molecules, with particular interest in phosphorus and fluorine chemistry alongside other main-group heteroatoms. Submissions should be limited to approaches that prioritize sustainability, including those addressing analytical, environmental, and technological aspects. To gather further insights into this focused area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Novel sustainable synthetic methodologies for heteroatom-containing functional molecules, including phosphorus and fluorine chemistry
• Green analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of heteroatom-containing compounds
• Advances in the use of heteroatoms in diagnostic, imaging, and sensing agents
• Environmental fate, impact, and remediation of heteroatom-containing species
• Assessment of sustainability and life-cycle analysis in heteroatom chemistry