Analytical chemistry with biosolvents

Abstract

One of the current trends in green analytical chemistry is the introduction of green solvents, some of which are biobased. At the same time, the development of the biorefinery concept has allowed more biochemicals to be obtained with increased efficiency and from a wider range of feedstocks. The first examples of the use of biosolvents in analytical applications included extractions performed with alcohols, esters, and terpenes. However, many more applications of biosolvents in extractions of bioactive compounds from various plant materials have also been reported, which hints at a wider range of potential analytical applications of biosolvents. It should also be noted that the biobased solvents applied in analytical chemistry are not always green, as some of them are toxic towards aquatic organisms. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].