Pharmaceuticals Made with Hydrogen: A Sustainable and Efficient Approach Using Flow Synthesis

Conventional pharmaceutical manufacturing relies on fossil fuels and inefficient batch processes, creating significant waste. This review presents a strategy using hydrogen, heterogeneous catalysts, and continuous-flow synthesis for a more sustainable and efficient approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing. We detail two key innovations: first, highly efficient catalysts (Pt/C and polysilane-modified Pd) for atom-economical C─N bond formation. Our flow systems offered superior performance and broad functional group tolerance. Second, we developed a robust polysilane-immobilized Rh-Pt bimetallic catalyst for selective arene hydrogenation under mild conditions. We successfully integrated these technologies into a seamless, multi-step continuous-flow synthesis of donepezil. By successfully integrating these technologies and overcoming challenges like catalyst inhibition, this work demonstrates a highly productive and sustainable process. This approach represents a significant step toward a greener, hydrogen-powered future for chemical manufacturing.