Green Chemistry and Ionic Liquids: Synergies and Ironies

Abstract

Ionic liquids are often portrayed as Green Solvents, however, 'Greenness' can only be measured in the context of the overall process. A perspective on the applications of ionic liquids in Green Chemistry, which focuses on the characteristics of ionic liquids and their contributions to Green Synthesis and Separations processes, followed by an explanation of the objectives and general organization of this book are presented.The recent growth in interest in ionic liquids (ILs), reflected by articles in the scientific and popular press (i) has been driven largely by the perceived opportunities that are presented to effect improvements in industrial processes by using Green principles, driven by increased environmental awareness and the desire for increased process efficiency with associated overall cost savings (2).The basic, fundamental concepts behind both Green Chemistry and Ionic Liquids is not new, however, the growth of interest in ILs and the influence of new minds, new approaches and enthusiasm are generating new solutions and driving changes in industrial and commercial practice, proving that Green Chemistry alternatives exist. Industrial adoption of new methods and practices is, however, ultimately going to be based on cost and demonstration of both viability and significant improvements over current practice. It is essential that ionic liquid processes and technologies can be shown to be better than existing methods.2

Transformation of Iodosulfuron-Methyl into Ionic Liquids Enables Elimination of Additional Surfactants in Commercial Formulations of Sulfonylureas

“…Nevertheless, such amounts of NaCl in agrochemicals, do not pose any threat to environment as well as to cultivated crops, so this method is substantially advantageous in terms of production on commercial scale. In additionally, due to many beneficial factors (e.g., mild reaction conditions, use of “green” solvents, safer reaction path compared to acid-base neutralization, non-toxic by-product, high atom economy exceeding 90%), this approach can be classified as compatible with principles of green chemistry [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Solvent Properties of Functionalized Ionic Liquids for CO2 Absorption

“…or organic anions such as RCO 7] , [ Table 1]. The melting points of these organic salts are frequently found below 150 8C [13] , and occasionally as low as -96 8C. [14] This implies the character of being liquid at room temperatures.…”

Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolytes for Aluminum/Magnesium/Sodium-Ion Batteries

“…Ionic liquids, known as room-temperature molten salts, a unique class of material, consist of organic cations and inorganic/organic anions [10][11][12][13]. It is worth mentioning that the electrostatic forces of the ions can be weakened and shielded through the separation of the large molecular ions in an ionic liquid, thus lowering the melting points.…”