Abstract
The main applications of ionic liquids in chemistry and material research on one of the most important natural polymers—starch—are presented in this review. A brief characterization of ionic liquids and the advantages and disadvantages of using them in the modification and processing of polysaccharides is presented. The latest reports on the use of various ionic liquids as solvents or co-solvents; as media for synthesizing starch derivatives in oxidation, etherification, esterification, and transesterification, with particular emphasis on biocatalyzed reactions; and as plasticizers or compatibilizers in the processing of starch-based polymers have been investigated. The current trends, possibilities, and limitations of using this type of compound for the production of functional starch-based materials are presented.
Highlights
One of the main problems in the modern synthesis or modification of various types of materials is the use of solvents and reaction media that generate a number of threats, environmental ones
The most commonly used ionic liquids (ILs) for the modification of starch to improve its properties are 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM]Cl, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM]Ac. They are used in many applications, including the dissolution and gelatinization of starch. They are used as solvents in the ring-opening graft polymerization of the other polymers onto starch chains
Another process that successfully uses ILs is the preparation of thermoplastic starch, wherein they play the role of a plasticizer
Summary
One of the main problems in the modern synthesis or modification of various types of materials is the use of solvents and reaction media that generate a number of threats, environmental ones. These threats result from the source and synthesis of the solvent, its functional properties, and, its disposal [1]. The interest in the use of ILs is growing due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as non-flammability, low vapor pressure, low melting point, and high recyclability They were even considered as attractive substitutes for classic organic solvents or other catalysts (Table 1). Negligible usually non-flammable moderate expensive frequent common, controlled usually strong
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