Which of the following statements is true about by-products in reactions?

By-products in chemical reactions are substances that are produced in addition to the desired product. The statement that they can potentially be reused or repurposed is true because by-products often have practical applications in other processes or industries. For example, in some reactions, the by-products can be collected and utilized in manufacturing, energy production, or as raw materials for another reaction, which can enhance overall efficiency and sustainability.

In contrast to this, suggesting that by-products are always harmful and should be discarded fails to recognize their potential value. The impact of by-products on atom economy is also significant, as high levels of by-products can reduce efficiencies in terms of the resources used versus the desired outputs obtained. Additionally, by-products do not increase the overall yield of the reaction; they simply represent additional outputs that are neither desired nor necessary for the primary reaction. Thus, the ability to reuse or repurpose by-products is a critical aspect of sustainable chemistry practices.