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Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents: From Synthesis to Emerging Applications

A Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) belonging to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 1825

Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: microwave-assisted organic synthesis; biotransformation; green chemistry; ionic liquids; antioxidant activity; phenolic compounds; reactor design; cytotoxicity; environmental engineering; green technology
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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology “B” and Immunology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
Interests: biocatalysis in Ionic liquids; supercritical fluid technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In numerous industrial processes, significant amounts of volatile and flammable organic solvents are utilized in various reaction systems and separation steps, heavily influencing both the environmental and economic performance of these processes. For instance, the chemical industry consumes over 20 million tons of organic solvents annually, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and posing risks of explosions and health hazards. Consequently, an expanding field of research in the realm of green chemistry focuses on creating new, environmentally friendly, and adaptable solvents that satisfy both technological and economic requirements.

Among the proposed solvents, ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have garnered significant attention due to their negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and tunable properties, making them ideal for various applications. A state-of-the-art analysis shows their consistent growth in the fields of chemical synthesis and catalysis, extraction and separation processes, electrochemistry and energy storage, food technology, and life sciences.

This Special Issue will delve into the latest research and developments in IL- and DES-assisted technologies, evaluating their potential to transform industrial processes and meet future environmental and economic challenges.

Prof. Dr. Marina Cvjetko Bubalo
Prof. Dr. Pedro Lozano
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • microwave-assisted organic synthesis
  • biotransformation
  • green chemistry
  • ionic liquids
  • antioxidant activity
  • phenolic compounds
  • reactor design
  • cytotoxicity
  • environmental engineering
  • green technology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 718 KB  
Article
Enhancing Antioxidant and Storage Stability of Upcycled Fruit Bars Through NADES-Based Lavender Extract Addition
by Maja Benković, Manuela Panić, Marina Cvjetko Bubalo, Anja Damjanović, Ana Jurinjak Tušek, Davor Valinger, Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić, Tamara Jurina, Kristina Radošević and Ivana Radojčić Redovniković
Molecules 2026, 31(15), 2608; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31152608 - 27 Jul 2026
Viewed by 492
Abstract
This study investigated the development of upcycled functional fruit bars based on dates or figs and grape pomace, enriched with a lavender extract obtained using a novel multicomponent natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). Supplementation with the NADES-based lavender extract significantly increased the total [...] Read more.
This study investigated the development of upcycled functional fruit bars based on dates or figs and grape pomace, enriched with a lavender extract obtained using a novel multicomponent natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). Supplementation with the NADES-based lavender extract significantly increased the total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, while improving the retention of total polyphenols during storage by approximately 10.3% in date-based bars and 2.8% in fig-based bars. The NADES-based lavender extract also reduced the percentage of yeast- and mold-positive samples from 60% to 20% in date-based bars after 30 days of storage at 22 °C. After 28 days of storage, supplemented bars showed better preservation of key sensory attributes, including appearance, color, odor, sweetness, bitterness and aftertaste. The stabilizing effects were more pronounced in date-based than in fig-based formulations, highlighting the influence of the food matrix on functional ingredient performance. Overall, the results indicate that NADES-based lavender extract is a promising functional ingredient for improving the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological stability of upcycled fruit bars, particularly in date-based formulations. Full article
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13 pages, 2032 KB  
Article
Multicomponent Reaction for the Synthesis of β-Ketosulfides in Deep Eutectic Solvents
by Chiara Falcini, David Jaén-Herrera, Rosario Fernández, Andrés R. Alcántara and Gonzalo de Gonzalo
Molecules 2026, 31(4), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040745 - 22 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 855
Abstract
The use of Type III Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) as both solvents and cocatalysts enable the one-pot synthesis of several β-ketosulfides, structural motifs commonly found in biologically active compounds, via a multicomponent reaction (MCR) involving 2-bromoketones, alkyl or benzyl halides, and potassium thioacetate [...] Read more.
The use of Type III Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) as both solvents and cocatalysts enable the one-pot synthesis of several β-ketosulfides, structural motifs commonly found in biologically active compounds, via a multicomponent reaction (MCR) involving 2-bromoketones, alkyl or benzyl halides, and potassium thioacetate in basic medium. Under these conditions, it was possible to avoid not only the use of the non-eco-friendly solvent dimethylformamide (DMF), but also an additional hydrolytic step previously reported for the preparation of these molecules. The MCR conducted in the presence of the DES ChCl:Gly (1:2) was optimized through the evaluation of different reaction parameters. Notably, the non-conventional medium could be recycled up to four times without any appreciable loss of catalytic activity. Environmental metrics, including the E factor, E+ factor, and Global Warming Potential (GWP), were calculated for the process both in the presence and absence of the DES, demonstrating improved environmental performance when the DES was employed. Full article
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