Russian scientists develop eco-friendly method for synthesising pharmaceutical compounds

The breakthrough was achieved by researchers from Tolyatti State University and Samara State Technical University. Their technique enables the production of complex biologically active molecules without the use of toxic solvents or catalytic reagents, which are commonly required in conventional synthesis.

Azole–phenol molecular structures form the basis of hundreds of medicines, including antifungal treatments and certain anticancer therapies. However, standard methods for producing these compounds typically rely on aggressive reagents and hazardous organic solvents, often generating unwanted by-products that require complicated purification.

The Russian research team proposed a simpler chemical route. Their method combines two stable and widely available substances – hydroxybenzyl alcohol and an azole compound – and heats them together at temperatures of around 160-165°C. During heating, the alcohol molecule releases water and transforms into a reactive intermediate that immediately bonds with the azole.

As a result, the desired compound forms directly within the reaction mixture, while water remains the only by-product. The entire process takes only minutes and does not require specialised equipment or toxic chemical additives.

According to the research team, the method reflects the principles of green chemistry and sustainable pharmaceutical production. In addition to eliminating hazardous solvents, the reaction proceeds without catalysts and requires only a single recrystallisation step in ethanol to purify the final compound.

Scientists emphasise that the approach is highly versatile. It works with a wide range of azole molecules that differ significantly in their chemical activity, making the technique suitable for synthesising numerous biologically active substances.

This flexibility means the method could be applied in the development of new pharmaceutical compounds, including molecules related to anticancer agents, antifungal drugs and antibacterial treatments.