Green Solvents in Organic Synthesis: A Futuristic Approach

The field of Green or Sustainable Chemistry has gained recognition as a significant scientific topic, gathering immense interest from the scientific community. The research conducted in this field relies significantly on the “Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry,” which serve as the fundamental framework for all chemical processes. Researchers are highly interested in developing chemical processes that might mitigate the environmental harm caused by toxic solvents, taking into consideration environmental concerns. Extended exposure to hazardous solvents has a detrimental impact on living beings, causing significant harm to the majority of human organs. Volatile organic molecules derived from petrochemicals, commonly referred to as conventional organic solvents, provide a significant peril to terrestrial, atmospheric, and aquatic organisms. The concept of utilizing water, ionic liquids, organic carbonates, supercritical carbon dioxide, deep eutectic solvents, and non-toxic liquid polymers as catalysts or reaction mediums has gathered significant interest due to their potential to remove environmental hazards. These diverse combinations of solvents fall under the category of green solvents, which are distinguished by their low toxicity, easy handling and reusability. However, the total substitution of traditional solvents with environmentally friendly solvents has a negative effect on industrial production and chemical synthesis. Despite this, some effective alternatives have demonstrated their chemical efficiency and widespread utilization. This chapter will provide a concise overview of ecologically friendly solvent alternatives to traditional solvents, focusing on their application in chemical processes with a green matrix.