Selection of ionic liquids for green chemical applications

Ionic liquids (ILs) are proving to be increasingly promising as viable media for not only potentially 'green' synthesis and separations operations, but also for novel applications, where the unique property set of the IL materials provides new options based upon different chemical and physical properties. The range and variability in the properties between individual examples within the class of solvents that are known as ILs, however, are both challenges, and opportunities for developing new and improved processes. Some of the challenges in understanding IL behavior and in selecting specific, IL media for applications is presented in the context of research from The University of Alabama.