Deep-eutectic solvents playing multiple roles in the synthesis of polymers and related materials

Chem Soc Rev. 2012 Jul 21;41(14):4996-5014. doi: 10.1039/c2cs15353j. Epub 2012 Jun 13.

Abstract

The aim of this review is to provide an exposition of some of the most recent applications of deep-eutectic solvents (DESs) in the synthesis of polymers and related materials. We consider that there is plenty of room for the development of fundamental research in the field of DESs because their compositional flexibility makes the number of DESs susceptible of preparation unlimited and so do the range of properties that DESs can attain. Ultimately, these properties can be transferred into the resulting materials in terms of both tailored morphologies and compositions. Thus, interesting applications can be easily envisaged, especially in those fields in which the preparation of high-tech products via low cost processes is critical. We hope that the preliminary work surveyed in this review will encourage scientists to explore the promising perspectives offered by DESs.