Use of ionic liquids in analytical sample preparation of organic compounds from food and environmental samples

This review highlights relevant advances in the use of ionic liquids (ILs) for analytical extraction and purification of organic compounds from food and environmental matrices. Following a technique-based structure, we discuss advantages and shortcomings of ILs compared to conventional volatile organic solvents. We focus on the use of ILs in modern miniaturized extraction techniques, highlighting recent trends. However, when relevant, we also consider more classical approaches to sample preparation. We discuss remaining limitations, gaps detected and possible future developments in this research area. Finally, we illustrate the feasibility of the several analytical procedures for the analysis of relevant organic and biomolecules in foodstuffs and environmental samples of different natures on the basis of representative studies of applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.