Ionic liquids and deep eutectic mixtures: sustainable solvents for extraction processes

ChemSusChem. 2014 Jul;7(7):1784-800. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201301192. Epub 2014 May 8.

Abstract

In recent years, ionic liquids and deep eutectic mixtures have demonstrated great potential in extraction processes relevant to several scientific and technological activities. This review focuses on the applicability of these sustainable solvents in a variety of extraction techniques, including but not limited to liquid- and solid-phase (micro) extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and pressurized liquid extraction. Selected applications of ionic liquids and deep eutectic mixtures on analytical method development, removal of environmental pollutants, selective isolation, and recovery of target compounds, purification of fuels, and azeotrope breaking are described and discussed.

Keywords: environmental sustainability; eutectic mixtures; extraction; green chemistry; ionic liquids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Fractionation / methods*
  • Environmental Pollutants / isolation & purification
  • Hydrocarbons / isolation & purification
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Ionic Liquids