Russian scientists develop eco-friendly method for synthesising pharmaceutical compounds
New solvent-free approach enables rapid production of complex molecules used in antifungal, antibacterial and anticancer drugs
-
Photo source: ismagilov / iStock
Chemists in Russia have developed a new environmentally friendly method for synthesising key molecular components used in modern medicines, offering a faster and cleaner alternative to traditional pharmaceutical chemistry, as reported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
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.
-
![]()
Technology31.10.26Chinese scientists develop membrane to make industrial carbon capture more efficient -
![]()
Technology30.10.26Chinese scientists discover three planets that survived their star’s expansion -
![]()
Technology30.10.26Indonesia plans to select site for its first nuclear power station by 2027 -
![]()
Technology28.10.26Chinese scientists discover single neurone can perform complex thought processes -
![]()
Technology28.10.26Oman’s oil company to introduce AI, drones and robots to manage oilfields -
![]()
Technology27.10.26UAE researchers develop catalyst that removes antibiotics from water and produces hydrogen
-
![Daniel Francisco Chapo]()
Daniel Francisco ChapoMozambican President"We have excellent relations with Brazil, Russia, India and China, as well as with our neighbour, South Africa" -
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinRussian President"Construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant continues. We are also cooperating in the humanitarian sphere; the number of Iranian students studying at our universities, for example, has reached about 10,000. In late September and early October, a series of vibrant events was held in various Russian cities as part of the Iranian Culture Festival – namely, in Moscow, Kazan and Astrakhan" -
![Abdel Fattah El-Sisi]()
Abdel Fattah El-SisiEgyptian President"Today, we are striving to strengthen Russia-Egypt strategic partnership and hope to expand cooperation between our countries across various sectors – primarily in the economy and trade, as well as in areas related to grain supplies, which are of great importance to our nation" -
![Andrey Denisov]()
Andrey DenisovChairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs"Today, BRICS is not simply a dialogue platform for member countries but a genuine mechanism for coordinating positions on sustainable development and reforming global financial and economic institutions"
