Deep eutectic solvents: Synthesis, application, and focus on lipase-catalyzed reactions

In recent years, a novel medium with similar properties to ionic liquids but with additional advantages regarding cost, environmental impact, and synthesis has been developed: deep eutectic solvents (DESs). These solvents result from the association between an organic salt (ammonium or phosphonium) with a hydrogen‐bond donor such as alcohols, acids, or amides. To date, the availability of green, inexpensive and easy to handle solvents is almost non‐existent. Therefore, DESs currently arouse growing interest in many research fields. This review deals with the major applications of this new family of solvents with a particular focus on lipase‐catalyzed reactions such as hydrolysis, aminolysis, or alcoholysis. Due to a growing interest in green technologies, the Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are now rapidly emerging and may be considered as a serious alternative to conventional organic solvents in various applications. Thus, this review aimed at giving an overview of their synthesis, their characteristics and their main applications, with an exhaustive focus on lipase‐catalyzed reactions.