Application of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) for Phenolic Compounds Extraction: Overview, Challenges, and Opportunities

The green chemistry era has pushed the scientific community to investigate and implement new solvents in phenolic compounds (PC) extraction as alternatives to organic solvents, which are toxic and may be dangerous. Recently, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been applied as extraction solvents for PC. They have the advantages of biodegradability and ease of handling with very low toxicity. Nevertheless, the extraction process is affected by several factors: affinity between DES and the target compounds, the water content, the mole ratio between DES' starting molecules, the liquid/solid ratio between the DES and sample, and the conditions and extraction method. On the other hand, PC recovery from DES is a challenge because they can establish a strong hydrogen bond network. Alternatively, another possibility is to use DES as solvent extraction as well as formulation medium. In this way, DES can be suitable for cosmetics, pharmaceutical, or food applications.