Green chemistry in medicinal chemistry: A review on sustainable approaches to the synthesis of biologically active compounds

The pharmaceutical industry's commitment to sustainability is reshaping drug development, centering on green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact without compromising drug efficacy. This review explores transformative green chemistry approaches, emphasizing atom economy, waste reduction, and renewable feedstocks in synthesizing biologically active compounds. Key advancements such as biocatalysis, flow chemistry, and safer solvent alternatives demonstrate a path to efficient, lower-impact drug synthesis. These sustainable strategies, while challenged by regulatory and industrial constraints, showcase significant potential to reduce the pharmaceutical carbon footprint and environmental toxicity. Through the integration of green methodologies, the industry can address pressing ecological challenges, improve public health, and foster a paradigm shift toward sustainable pharmaceutical production.