Mechanochemical and Mechanoenzymatic Synthesis of Pharmacologically Active Compounds: A Green Perspective

Recently, the application of mechanochemical strategies in organic synthesis has attracted the attention of both the academic and industrial chemical communities. The high efficiency and low environmental impact of processes performed by mechanical activation has positioned mechanical methods among salient green techniques since it allows the accomplishment of most sustainable chemistry principles. In particular, mechanochemistry has been used as a tool for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients via chemical synthesis or through biocatalytic protocols using enzymes with outstanding results, while simultaneously increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the process. In this regard, the main purpose of the present perspective is to summarize current developments of mechanochemical and mechanoenzymatic approaches in the synthesis of pharmacologically active compounds. The importance of these techniques in the so-called medicinal mechanochemistry field will be highlighted.