Tuning deep eutectic solvents for greener oxidations: the role of solvent properties in aldehyde-to-acid transformations
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are emerging sustainable alternatives to traditional organic solvents, yet their influence on chemical reactivity remains underexplored. Here, we investigate the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids using diluted hydrogen peroxide in a diverse set of 20 DESs. We identify a strong correlation between DES pH and reaction efficiency, with optimal yields observed in mildly basic DESs. Surprisingly, even in the presence of excess KOH, DES pH significantly influenced product distribution, highlighting the importance of solvent-intrinsic properties. Urea-based DESs consistently outperformed others, while acidic systems, particularly those based on chlorocholine chloride, favored side reactions. Comprehensive analysis of DES physical properties, including density, viscosity, and polarity, revealed interdependencies that impact reactivity. These findings highlight the need to consider both composition and physicochemical characteristics when selecting DESs for green oxidation processes, offering valuable insights for the rational design of sustainable reaction media.
Date Issued
2026-08-24
Date Acceptance
2026-08-05
Citation
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 2026, 14 (33), pp.14641-14651
ISSN
2168-0485
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
14641
End Page
14651
Journal / Book Title
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Volume
14
Issue
33
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society This publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
License URL
Identifier
10.1021/acssuschemeng.6c02551
Subjects
deep eutectic solvents
aldehyde oxidation
design of experiments
physical properties
sustainable reaction media
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2026-08-13