DES Virtual Lab: An Interactive Web Application for Teaching Deep Eutectic Solvents in Undergraduate Chemistry

Abstract Deep eutectic solvents (DES) represent one of the most dynamic areas in modern chemistry, yet their incorporation into undergraduate curricula remains limited. This paper presents DES Virtual Lab, a free, installation-free, interactive web application designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, physicochemical properties, sustainability assessment, and real-world applications of DES. Built as a single-page React application accessible through any modern web browser, the virtual laboratory comprises seven interconnected modules: DES classification by type (I–V), hydrophobicity, and natural origin; interactive solid–liquid equilibrium (SLE) phase diagrams with quantification of eutectic deepness; temperature-dependent physicochemical properties including density and viscosity; ecotoxicity assessment across multiple trophic levels and biodegradability evaluation; application exploration across pharmaceutical, water treatment, gas capture, and food science domains; a DES Designer tool for custom formulations with sustainability scoring; and an integrated assessment module with immediate feedback. The tool addresses a critical gap in chemical education by providing accessible, data-driven exploration of an emerging class of solvents that bridges green chemistry, thermodynamics, and materials science.