Biosolvents as green solvents in the pharmaceutical industry

Abstract Solvents used in the pharmaceutical field accounts for mass consumption in the range of 80%–90%; however, it does not alter the reaction profile, because it just acts as the media of the process. Also, it plays a dominant role in the toxicity profile. In last decade, alternative products such as green and less harmful chemicals have occupied more space in industries to replace fossil resources, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like halogenated products. Despite concerns from an environmental point-of-view and human health, either individual use of bio-based chemicals derived from agricultural wastages as green solvents or with other less harmful chemicals for the production of useful pharmaceutical ingredients is an emerging renewable alternative to fossil chemicals that has captured recent research interest. Overall, this chapter presents the background and preparation methods of the major biosolvents used and their possible applications in the pharmaceutical industries.