NARENDER SINGH
DTU/2K14/B7/1085
GREEN SOLVENTS
Green solvent or also known as bio-solvent is typically an alternative to the conventional solvents available
in the market. It is an innovative idea of reducing the environmental impact resulting from the use of
solvents in chemical production.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GREEN SOLVENTS
Green solvent has a lower environmental impact compared to other conventional petroleum-based solvents.
Besides, it has a host of advantages that gives it an added boost to edge out its rivals.
Completely biodegradable
Can be recycled
Non-corrosive
Non-carcinogenic
Non-ozone depleting
Attractive solvent properties
Simplest solution
Fails on large scale Exothermic reactions can be dangerous reactions can be dangerous
Problem in mixing especially in case of Solids
Solvents still required for extraction, separation and purification of products.
SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
SUPERCRITICAL CO2
Similar advantages to water -Natural, cheap, plentiful (too much of it!)
Easily removed and recycled, and can be disposed of with no net increase in global CO2
No solvent effluent
ADVANTAGES
Non-toxic & cheaply available
DISADVANTAGES
High pressure equipment is expensive
Non-flammable
ADVANTAGES
Non-toxic
Cheap
Biorenewable
DISADVANTAGES
Removal requires distillation
energy intensive
Waste streams may be difficult to treat
Non-flammable
Many reagents are water-sensitive
High specific heat capacity
Generally a poor solvent for organics
EXAMPLE -geraniol isomerisation - a source of fragrances without organic solvents.
IONIC LIQUIDS
Typically consist of organic cation (often ammonium or phosphonium salt) and inorganic anion
N
BF4-
Me
1. Ethylmethylimidazolium
tetrafluoroborate, [emim][BF4]
Me
Zn2Cl5-
N+
Me
OH
ADVANTAGES
Readily prepared
DISADVANTAGES
Non-biodegradable
Highly solvating
Desulphurisation of oil
Lubricants & Anti-static agents