Embracing Green Solvents: A Sustainable Solution for Chemistry

It is time to switch over our organic solvents to green solvent. Recently EPA banned Dichloromethane solvent, after a long time  study on paint industries workers. EPA reported  88 deaths in their study. Conventional solvents are often involved in significant health and environmental risk,contributing to pollution, global warming, and resource depletion. To save our environment and life, the researchers have been actively trying to find green alternatives to traditional solvents. The green solvent has promising chemical characteristics with minimum hazardous impact during the use.

What are Green Solvents?


Green solvents are well known environmentally friendly or sustainable, having a low environmental impact. It is derived from renewable or easily available sources. They are made to reduce the use of dangerous materials and  minimize waste generation. During the use of this solvent, it promotes energy efficiency.


Types of Green Solvents:


Bio-based solvents: It is extracted from renewable resources like plant materials, agricultural waste materials, or vegetable oils. Ethanol, Glycerol, and Limonene are famous as green solvents.


Ionic liquids: At the relatively low temperature, liquid salts, which are composed of positively charged organic substances and negatively charged organic or inorganic substances.they are not easily evaporated. This characteristic makes them environmentally friendly. It acts as an alternative to volatile organic solvents.


Supercritical fluids:The substance exists as a liquid state and gas state simultaneously. This type of solvent has properties of both phases. Generally, It is known as supercritical fluids.carbon dioxide and water are having properties and used as supercritical fluids in green chemistry processes.


Water: It is a universal solvent and highly effective as a green solvent in many chemical reactions and processes.


Benefits of Green Solvents:


1.They are to reduce environmental impact because they are biodegradable and non-toxic. They have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional solvents.

2. They have improved safety. They are non-flammable, non-volatile and less hazardous to human health and other living organisms.

3. Green solvents are energy efficient.It requires lower temperature or pressure during processes, leading to energy saving.

4.Bio-based solvents are extracted from renewable resources. They reduce our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.


Application:


Green solvents are using in many fields including;


1.organic synthesis:Bio-based solvents and ionic liquids are used in many organic preparations and reactions. They offer a safer and more sustainable alternative.

2.Analytical chemistry: Supercritical fluids are applied  in extraction method.In UHPLC, chromatographic techniques,supercritical fluids are also used to analyze substances.

3.Industrial processes:  In drugs, beauty care, dyes-color and many others industries are increasingly using green solvents to improve environmental performance.


Challenges and Future Prospects:


There are various benefits due to the use of green solvents. However, the cost, availability, and compatibility with existing processes etc like challenges still  remains. The researcher continuously works on challenges  to resolve and develops novel and efficient green solvents. In addition, Regulatory  affairs prepare policy to encourage the adoption of green solvents across various industries.


Conclusion:


The adoption of green solvents is an important step in promoting sustainable practices in the chemical field.It is  minimizing the environmental impact of industrial processes and giving relief to producers. By embracing these novel solvents, researchers, chemists and industries can contribute to a greener future while maintaining the necessary chemical processes and applications.

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