Here's why:
* Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. It needs to be refined and processed into individual components before it can be used for other purposes.
* Medicines are highly specific molecules. They require careful synthesis and purification, often using complex chemical reactions and processes.
* The chemicals derived from crude oil are often used as starting materials or intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. For example, some plastics and polymers used in medical devices are derived from petroleum products. However, these are not the active ingredients of medicines.
Instead of crude oil, medicines are typically synthesized from a variety of sources, including:
* Natural products: Many medicines are derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms.
* Synthetic chemicals: Many medications are synthesized in the lab using various organic and inorganic chemicals.
* Biotechnology: Some medications are produced using genetic engineering techniques.
In summary, while crude oil is a crucial resource for many industries, it's not directly used to make medicines. The chemicals derived from crude oil may be used as building blocks in the synthesis process, but the final products are carefully crafted molecules designed for specific therapeutic purposes.