GreenMedChem- the challenge in the next decade toward eco-friendly compounds and processes in drug design

Green Chemistry has become a hot topic on which not only many companies but also researchers have focused their attention. Green Chemistry strives to identify alternative and environmentally friendly reaction conditions and, at the same time, aims to increase reaction rates and reduce reaction temperatures. The goal of Green Chemistry is the reduction of the impact of chemical substances and processes on human health and the effective elimination of environmental pollution through dedicated sustainable prevention programs. Green Chemistry is based on innovative scientific solutions to solve environmental problems that arise in the laboratory. In this review, we analyse in detail each of the 12 Principles developed by Paul Anastas in 1991, on which Green Chemistry is based, giving greater importance to the aspects of the medicinal chemistry carried out in research laboratories for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Here, we provide some examples of greener reactions, which can substitute the older strategies performed by both industries and academia and offer a guide to improve reaction greenness. The present review will highlight methods that can be used by medicinal chemists in their daily work not only to improve the yields but also to reduce and prevent pollution, thereby protecting the environment and our health.