Current Green Chemistry - Volume 12, Issue 2, 2025

In the realm of synthetic organic chemistry, the environmentally friendly manipulation of small organic molecules has gained prominence. One particularly promising approach is electrochemical synthesis, which offers a green and sustainable alternative to using hazardous and toxic redox reagents. By harnessing electric current from renewable sources like sunlight or wind, electrochemical synthesis emerges as a viable replacement for conventional methods. This review article provides a comprehensive exploration of the electrochemical method, delving into its background and applications in synthesizing and transforming various small organic molecules, including sulfoximines, isoxazolines, benzimidazoles, and more. This review aims to shed light on the potential of electrochemical synthesis as a greener and more sustainable way of conducting organic transformations.

Organic compounds in different solutions have caused several pollution problems to the environment and even affected human health. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have been effectively used in the decontamination of these types of compounds. Distinct reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to explain the degradation or mineralization of contaminating organic matter. ROS, such as free radicals (e.g., ^.OH), superoxide (e.g., ^.O2⁻), and peroxides (e.g., H2O2), are capable of modifying the chemical structure of organic matter and consequently degrade or mineralize it. In this review, the formation of hydroxyl radicals in each AOP, as in a hybrid process, and the methods for quantifying and determining this type of radical are discussed.

The pharmaceutical sector is a major component of current healthcare, manufacturing and distributing drugs, biological substances, and medical equipment. Despite its advantages, the sector creates enormous waste, including materials for packaging, production by-products, expired or unused drugs, and other residues, creating health and environmental issues. Appropriate pharmaceutical waste handling and medication recovery strategies are vital for limiting these problems. This article aims to investigate and evaluate multiple techniques for recovering pharmaceuticals from pharmaceutical waste, highlighting the significance of sustainable waste management in the pharmaceutical sector. The paper emphasizes the need to use modern methods such as liquid-liquid extraction, membrane crystallization, solid-liquid extraction, and adsorption to recover drugs from pharmaceutical waste. Liquid-liquid extraction exhibits excellent adaptability and efficiency for varied Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), whereas membrane crystallization provides low-energy solutions for thermally sensitive compounds. Solid-liquid extraction is useful for recovering APIs from solid dosage forms, while adsorption approaches exploit substances like activated carbon for organic component recovery. Each process has particular benefits and disadvantages, with the selection of methodology based on waste properties and recovery objectives. It emphasizes the promise of these technologies for high extraction yields, purity, and environmental sustainability, supporting effective pharmaceutical waste management procedures. Additionally, difficulties such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and regulatory compliance are addressed, pointing to opportunities for future research and development to improve the efficacy of drug recovery procedures. In conclusion, using advanced techniques to recover pharmaceuticals from pharmaceutical waste offers a viable way to implement sustainable waste recovery procedures and lessen the pharmaceutical industry's negative environmental effects.

Nanoparticles have emerged as a transformative technology in environmental remediation, addressing the pressing challenges of pollution across air, water, and soil. Nanoparticles, particularly metal oxides, carbon-based materials, and polymers, demonstrate remarkable capabilities in addressing water, air, and soil contamination. Their high surface area to volume ratio enhances their efficiency in pollutant removal while minimizing toxicity, making them suitable alternatives to conventional methods. As traditional remediation methods often carry their environmental risks, there is a pressing need for innovative and sustainable solutions. This review delves into the mechanisms and applications of nanoparticles in various remediation techniques, including photocatalysis, Nano-adsorption, and nanomembranes for water treatment, as well as their effectiveness in soil and air purification. The findings underscore the potential of nanomaterials to enhance remediation efficiency while reducing environmental toxicity. By integrating these innovative solutions into existing environmental management frameworks, nanoparticles can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable environmental practices and mitigating contamination. This review advocates for continued research, development, and application of nanotechnology as a promising avenue for fostering a cleaner, healthier environment and contributing to global sustainability goals.