Deep Eutectic Solvents: The Organic Reaction Medium of the Century

• Published in: European journal of organic chemistry Vol. 2016; no. 4; pp. 612 - 632
• Main Authors: Alonso, Diego A., Baeza, Alejandro, Chinchilla, Rafael, Guillena, Gabriela, Pastor, Isidro M., Ramón, Diego J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.02.2016; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry; Green chemistry; Renewable resources; Solvents; Sustainable chemistry; Waste prevention
• ISSN: 1434-193X; 1099-0690
• DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201501197

This microreview summarizes the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and related melts in organic synthesis. Solvents of this type combine the great advantages of other proposed environmentally benign alternative solvents, such as low toxicity, high availability, low inflammability, high recyclability, low volatility, and low price, avoiding many disadvantages of the more modern media. The fact that many of the components of these mixtures come directly from nature assures their biodegradability and renewability. The classification and distribution of the reactions into different sections in this microreview, as well as the emphasis paid to their scope, easily allow a general reader to understand the actual state of the art and the great opportunities opened, not only for academic purposes but also for industry. 21st Century DESs: Worries about the sustainability of our civilization on Earth are forcing changes on all aspects of industrial production. In organic synthesis, solvents (including their production and degradation) are the main waste component in reactions. Deep eutectic solvents (and related mixtures) offer an irresistible opportunity to improve the sustainability of processes in this century.