Ionic Liquids--Solvents of the Future?

TLDR

Ionic liquids, composed entirely of ions, offer a wide range of solvent properties and are valued for their versatility and green credentials, though not all are environmentally benign. The authors review recent progress in developing new ionic liquid solvents for chemical synthesis, catalysis, fuel cells, and other applications. They survey recent advances in ionic liquid solvent design and application across chemical synthesis, catalysis, fuel cells, and other fields. One industrial process using ionic liquids has been reported, and the authors predict that within a decade ionic liquids will replace conventional solvents in many applications.

Abstract

Ionic liquids are composed entirely of ions. Because of the wide range of possible binary and ternary ionic liquids, they offer a potentially wide range of solvent properties. In their Perspective, Rogers and Seddon review recent progress on developing new ionic liquid solvents for use in chemical synthesis, catalysis, fuel cells, and other applications. Ionic liquids are considered advantageous not only because of their versatility but also for their green credentials, although it is important to remember that not all ionic liquids are environmentally benign. One industrial process has been reported, and others may not be far behind. The authors conclude that in the next decade, ionic liquids are likely to replace conventional solvents in many applications.