Green solvents as a sustainable strategy to reduce the impact of hazardous waste on human health

Green solvents have become indispensable in advancing sustainable chemistry by addressing the environmental, health, and safety concerns associated with traditional volatile organic compounds. These solvents, often derived from renewable resources or designed for reduced toxicity and improved biodegradability, align with the principles of green chemistry and offer promising alternatives in both academic research and industrial applications. The transition to greener solvent systems is not only driven by regulatory pressure but also by the increasing demand for cleaner technologies in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, polymer, and food sectors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the major classes of green solvents including bioalcohols (ethanol, butanol), terpenes (limonene, pine oil), fatty acid methyl esters (soy and palm-based FAMEs), natural deep eutectic solvents, and next-generation solvents such as γ-valerolactone and Cyrene™. The physicochemical properties, functional advantages, and environmental profiles of these solvents are critically examined using established greenness evaluation tools such as the CHEM21 selection guide and solvent selection frameworks. The review further explores innovative case studies and technologies demonstrating the application of green solvents in extraction, synthesis, biopolymer recycling, pesticide formulation, and detergent development. Comparative data, performance benchmarks, and sustainability metrics are provided to illustrate their efficacy relative to conventional solvents like DCM, or hexane. Overall, the review highlights how green solvents contribute to public health, circular economy goals, reduce hazardous waste, and enhance process safety, thereby reinforcing their role as transformative agents in the global shift toward more sustainable and responsible chemical manufacturing practices.