Scientists at the University of Bath in the UK have discovered a new method for producing paracetamol and ibuprofen from a substance found in pine trees, which is a byproduct of the paper industry. According to the journal ChemSusChem, medications are usually produced from chemical precursors derived from crude oil, which poses a specific problem as the world seeks to move away from oil resources. Researchers note that using oil in pharmaceutical manufacturing leads to significant carbon dioxide emissions and price volatility, as this industry is directly linked to the geopolitical situation in oil-rich countries.
The researchers developed technology to produce several pharmaceutical precursors from biologically renewable β-pinene, a component of turpentine oil. During their experiments, they were able to convert these compounds into paracetamol and ibuprofen, as well as hydroxyacetophenone, salbutamol for asthma patients, and other compounds widely used in the fragrance and cleaning products industries.
The researchers point out that "the technology in its current form may be more expensive than that used in pharmaceuticals derived from crude oil. However, consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly medications made entirely from plant-based ingredients."
