Green Solvents and Their Applications in Sustainable Chemical Processes

Abstract

Green solvents are an important component of sustainable chemistry because solvent selection strongly influences energy consumption, waste generation, worker exposure, emissions, and the overall environmental impact of chemical processes. Conventional organic solvents can present significant health and environmental concerns, encouraging the development and adoption of safer and more sustainable alternatives. Water, ethanol and other bio-based solvents, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and solvent-free systems are among the approaches investigated for greener processing. This paper examines nine major dimensions of green solvents and their applications in sustainable chemical processes, including solvent selection principles, water and bio-based solvents, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, extraction, synthesis, separation, and challenges associated with scale-up and life-cycle assessment.