Designing small molecules for biodegradability

A review that focuses on small molecules and does not treat the large and growing design, testing, and use of biodegradable polymers is presented. The effects of chemical chemical structure and environmental variables on biodegrability, with emphasis on generalizations that can be applied in chemical design is also discussed. The chemicals that are reviewed include alkylbenzene sulfonates, dialkyl quaternaries, chelants/ sequestrants, drilling base fluids, vegetable oil-based functional fluids, ionic liquids, antiseptic/disinfectants, musk fragrances, gasoline oxygenates, and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Since all computer models only represent approximations of imperfect underlying data, predictive models based on rules of thumb provide a convenient way for chemists in research and development to easily compare alternatives.