The most useful way to consider a reaction is to calculate multiple metrics, as each metric provides different information about the reaction. Below is a worked example calculating yield, atom economy and PMI based on the reported procedure.

Synthesis of diethyl 2,5-furan dicarboxylate

Experimental procedure

2,5-Furan dicarboxylic acid (5.32g, 33.5 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (150mL). To this was added concentrated sulfuric acid (0.4 mL) and the mixture heated to reflux for 24 hours. The ethanol was then removed under vacuum. Ethyl acetate (50 mL) was then added and the resultant solution washed three times with distilled water (3 x 50 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO4 (3 g), filtered, and the solvent removed under vacuum. This yielded a colourless crystalline solid (5.98 g) which was shown to be 99% pure.