Application of the twelve principles of Green Chemistry9 can deliver higher efficiency and reduced environmental burden during chemical synthesis. Most of these principles apply directly to pharmaceutical chemistry, but some do not.For instance, designing for degradation can be inappropriate for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that relies upon its precise chemical structure for the desired biological activity and that also must demonstrate adequate stability and acceptable shelf life. Renewable feedstocks are certainly preferred for long-term chemical manufacture but are difficult to achieve with a rapidly changing family of products. Green Chemistry as portrayed by the twelve principles acts as a guide but does not wholly apply to Pharmaceutical Green
Chemistry.