Deep eutectic solvents: A greener approach towards biorefineries

Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass is a potentially renewable resource that can be effectively utilized to minimize our excessive dependency on crude oil for energy consumption. Converting lignocellulosic biomass into value-added chemicals is the key to the establishment of a circular bio-economy. However, the lack of efficient methods for the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into its constituents has been a bottleneck towards its successful valorization in biorefineries. In this regard, deep eutectic solvents, because of their unique physicochemical properties, have shown considerable potential as versatile green solvents for biomass dissolution and conversion. The present chapter summarizes the roles of neoteric deep eutectic solvents in the dissolution of lignocellulosic biomass, and as catalysts for its subsequent conversion into platform chemicals.