Everything You Wanted to Know about Deep Eutectic Solvents but Were Afraid to Be Told

Are deep eutectic solvents (DESs) a promising alternative to conventional solvents? Perhaps, but their development is hindered by a plethora of misconceptions. These are carefully analyzed here, beginning with the very meaning of DESs, which has strayed far beyond its original scope of eutectic mixtures of Lewis or Brønsted acids and bases. Instead, a definition that is grounded on thermodynamic principles and distinguishes between eutectic and deep eutectic is encouraged, and the types of precursors that can be used to prepare DESs are reviewed. Landmark works surrounding the sustainability, stability, toxicity, and biodegradability of these solvents are also discussed, revealing piling evidence that numerous…

• MD
  Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior

  Awards: UIDB/50011/2020, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020, LA/P/0006/2020, UIDP/50011/2020
• CD
  Centro de Investigação em Materiais Cerâmicos e Compósitos

  Awards: LA/P/0006/2020, UIDP/50011/2020, UIDB/50011/2020