Ionic liquids: a pathway to environmental acceptability.
Ionic liquids were initially proposed as replacements for conventional organic solvents; however, their chemistry has developed remarkably and offers unexpected opportunities in numerous fields, ranging from electrochemistry to biology. As a consequence of ionic liquids advancing towards potential and actual applications, a comprehensive determination of their environmental, health and safety impact is now required. This critical review aims to present an overview of the current understanding of the toxicity and environmental impact of the principal ionic liquid groups, and highlights some emerging concerns. Each cation type is considered separately, examining the significance of the biological data, and identifying the most critical questions, some yet unresolved. The need for more, and more detailed, studies is highlighted (176 references).
Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
Marija
M
Petkovic
Kenneth R
KR
Seddon
Luís Paulo N
LP
Rebelo
Cristina
C
Silva Pereira
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000737:chemistry; D052578:Ionic Liquids / Q000633:toxicity*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000737:chemistry; D021281:Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D011804:Quinolines / Q000737:chemistry
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007093:Imidazoles; D052578:Ionic Liquids; D011725:Pyridines; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D011804:Quinolines; C029899:imidazole; C037219:quinoline