Green and sustainable approaches in pharmaceutical synthesis: emerging trends and future prospects
Keywords:
Green chemistry, Sustainable synthesis, Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Biocatalysis, Flow chemistry, Eco-friendly processesAbstract
The pharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in improving global health, yet it is also associated with significant environmental burdens due to intensive resource consumption, hazardous reagents, and large volumes of waste. In recent years, green and sustainable chemistry principles have gained increasing importance as guiding frameworks for the development of environmentally benign pharmaceutical synthesis. This review highlights emerging green approaches in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including atom-economical reactions, solvent replacement, catalysis, biocatalysis, flow chemistry, and the use of renewable feedstocks. Advances in process intensification and digital tools for sustainability assessment are also discussed. Furthermore, regulatory drivers and industrial adoption challenges are examined. The integration of green chemistry into pharmaceutical synthesis not only reduces environmental impact but also offers economic and operational benefits. Future prospects point toward a holistic life-cycle-based approach that aligns innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
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