Are ionic liquids a proper solution to current environmental challenges?

It is well known that ionic liquids (ILs) possess extraordinary characteristics making them greener solvents with unique properties and they have been successfully tested for use for practically every kind of application in which a solvent or an electrolyte is required. In this review we describe some fundamental studies showing the efficacy of ILs to dissolve and favour the transformation of organic, inorganic and polymeric materials thus allowing a more efficient use of renewable resources or waste materials. The principal drawbacks that at the moment limit the large scale application of these processes are evidenced.