Catalysis in aqueous media for the synthesis of drug-like molecules

The design of straightforward and practical chemical syntheses that satisfy economic and ecological constraints is a major challenge in R&D. Ideally, a sustainable chemical synthesis should be safe, environmentally benign, reasonable in terms of cost, and careful in the use of resources and energy. The capability to develop synthetic strategies that meet these criteria is a priority in the manufacture of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, considering that the health and welfare of society increasingly depend on such industries. Among the various objectives to be pursued in sustainable manufacturing, this review focuses on two main goals: (i) the minimization of waste; and (ii) the replacement of toxic and volatile organic solvents with alternative, safer solvents - specifically water. In this context, the development of methods for catalysis in alternative reaction media is recognized as one of the most important approaches in modern chemical production.