2. Principle 2: promote the use of alternative solvents

2.1 Context

The efficiency of solid-liquid extraction depends on the solvent used. It must possess a number of properties: it must be selective, inert with respect to the substances to be extracted, and sufficiently volatile to be eliminated at the end of the process. The conventional organic solvents used for extracting natural substances are mostly petroleum-based, such as hexane, methanol, dichloromethane or acetone... Although these solvents have the advantage of low boiling points and vaporization enthalpies, they have a negative impact on humans (toxicity) and the environment (considered as VOCs (volatile organic compounds)). In addition, the tightening of European regulations (REACH regulation, European directives for the regulation of VOC emissions, directives 2004/73/CE) is...