ABSTRACT
To date, most of the chemical reactions are carried out in molecular solvents, which are many time toxic to the environment. Recently, a new class of solvent has emerged as ionic liquids (ILs). The term ILs cover one of the broadest classes of chemical compounds of salt type with low melting temperature and appreciable wide liquid range. In recent years, ILs has become mainstream solvents in different fields of chemistry. They have attracted quite justifiably, enormous attention as media for green synthesis. This has been possible owing to environmentally advantageous properties and possibility of adaptation of their structure to a specific task. In many chemical reaction processes, ILs are suggested as solvents, catalysts, reagents, or combinations of these. Due to ecofriendly, behavior, and easy design, ILs will replace traditional organic solvents. A wide variety of anions and cations are available and as such, solvent properties can be fine-tuned. A wide range of reactions have already demonstrated in this medium. ILs are being investigated for both; the dissolution of a variety of biomaterials and for their processing into higher-value products. The ability of ILs to dissolve and stabilize enzymes, proteins, DNA, and RNA is also extremely valuable in biotechnological applications. A small introduction of ILs, properties, and their applications in synthesis, extraction, and biocatalysis has been presented here.
