Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are multicomponent designer
solvents
that exist as stable liquids over a wide range of temperatures. Over
the last two decades, research has been dedicated to developing noncytotoxic,
biodegradable, and biocompatible DESs to replace commercially available
toxic organic solvents. However, most of the DESs formulated until
now are hydrophilic and disintegrate via dissolution on coming in
contact with the aqueous phase. To expand the repertoire of DESs as
green solvents, hydrophobic DESs (HDESs) were prepared as an alternative.
The hydrophobicity is a consequence of the constituents and can be
modified according to the nature of the application. Due to their
immiscibility, HDESs induce phase segregation in an aqueous solution
and thus can be utilized as an extracting medium for a multitude of
compounds. Here, we review literature reporting the usage of HDESs
for the extraction of various organic compounds and metal ions from
aqueous solutions and absorption of gases like CO
2
. We
also discuss the techniques currently employed in the extraction processes.
We have delineated the limitations that might reduce the applicability
of these solvents and also discussed examples of how DESs behave as
reaction media. Our review presents the possibility of HDESs being
used as substitutes for conventional organic solvents.