Development of Bio-Based Solvents for Environmentally Responsible Chemical Manufacturing

Abstract

Solvents account for the largest share of mass used in many chemical manufacturing processes and are a major source of waste, energy consumption and emissions. Conventional petroleum-derived solvents such as hexane, dichloromethane, N,N-dimethylformamide and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone raise serious concerns related to toxicity, volatility and regulatory restrictions. Bio-based solvents, derived from lignocellulosic biomass, sugars, vegetable oils and other renewable resources, offer a promising route to reduce environmental impact while maintaining process performance. This article reviews the principles that define a green solvent, the renewable feedstocks and production routes for bio-based solvents, and the main classes of these compounds, including alcohols, esters, ethers, lactones, terpenes and levoglucosenone-derived products. Their physical properties, performance in synthesis, extraction, coatings and pharmaceutical processes, life cycle environmental profiles and safety aspects are compared with those of conventional solvents. The main technical, economic and regulatory barriers to large-scale adoption are discussed, and research priorities for the development of truly sustainable solvent systems are outlined.