AN X-RAY technique showing a novel kind of solvent at work for the first time could boost efforts to create a cleaner “green” chemical industry.
The solvent in question is an ionic liquid, which is generating interest as a replacement for traditional organic solvents. Unlike conventional solvents, ionic liquids don’t evaporate in normal atmospheric conditions, so there is no danger that people will be exposed to toxic fumes from solvent residues.
But before these solvents start being widely used in the industry, Peter Licence of the University of Nottingham in the UK wanted to characterise the chemistry of ionic liquids…
