Introduction: The Five Ws of Pharmaceutical Green Chemistry

Who? What? When? Where? Why? The Five Ws commonly used in journalism to assure clear communication are applied in this chapter to lay the foundation for green chemistry integration in drug discovery. Chemistry, innovation, and a mission to improve lives are the core of the pharmaceutical business. Green chemistry brings these together with a positive impact on the bottom line and the environment, meeting the needs of the business today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A review of these questions will provide the reader with an understanding that green chemistry is an innovative and scientific approach to sustainability justifying its broad implementation throughout the pharmaceutical industry and its supply chain.