Resource-efficient chemical synthesis: Using water to help reduce selected environmental impacts associated with chemical synthesis
Chemistry in Water—also known as micellar chemistry—is a green chemistry technology that enables classical organic reactions to be performed in water instead of traditional organic solvents. This innovative method uses micelles—tiny surfactant-based nanoreactors—to carry out reactions that are typically solvent-intensive.
Evonik offers this technology at an industrial scale for the contract manufacturing of pharmaceutical intermediates and drug substances, based on pioneering work by Professor Bruce Lipshutz (University of California, Santa Barbara). The core surfactant, TPGS-750-M, is derived from Vitamin E and is fully removable below the Limit of Quantification (LOQ), ensuring clean, compliant processes.
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This makes Chemistry in Water a powerful tool for companies seeking more resource efficient outsourcing solutions for drug and chemical synthesis.
Proven Applications in Organic Synthesis
Chemistry in Water has been successfully applied to a wide range of reaction types, including:
- Suzuki–Miyaura couplings
- Stille and Heck couplings
- SNAr reactions
- Aryl aminations
- Amide bond formations
- C–H activations
- Peptide couplings
- Biocatalytic transformations
- Heterogeneous catalysis
Real-World Example 1: Buchwald–Hartwig Coupling in Water
- Solvent: Water + tBuOH (instead of dioxane)
- Catalyst loading reduced from 5 mol% to 1 mol%
- Reaction temperature lowered from 100 °C to 50 °C
Real World Example 2: Amide Coupling with In Situ Mixed Anhydride
- Solvent: Water (instead of 2-MeTHF)
- Improved regioselectivity—no pivaloyl byproduct
- No need for freebasing, simplifying the process
These examples demonstrate how Chemistry in Water can streamline synthesis while improving quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
A Valuable Addition to Evonik’s Portfolio of Technologies
Evonik is a fully integrated contract manufacturer with a broad portfolio of advanced technologies for drug substance production. Chemistry in Water complements our other capabilities, including:
- Continuous processing
- Biocatalysis and enzymatic chemistry
- PEGs and mPEGs
- Transition metal catalysis
- Organometallic and cryogenic chemistry
- Microbial fermentation
By combining these technologies, we help customers build robust, scalable, and sustainable supply chains for complex multi-step syntheses.
Why Partner with Evonik?
Evonik offers:
- Proven experience in outsourcing chemical processes designed to support sustainability objectives
- Industrial-scale implementation of micellar chemistry
- Expertise in regulatory-compliant drug substance manufacturing
- A global network of contract manufacturing sites
- A commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility
Whether you're developing a new drug, optimizing a chemical process, or looking explore opportunities to reduce selected environmental impacts within your manufacturing process, Evonik can help you achieve your goals with Chemistry in Water.
