Supramolecular deep eutectic solvents (SupraDES) and their interaction with water

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are a mixture of environmentally benign and inexpensive compounds, that - when combined - yield liquids at room temperature. Akin to ionic liquids, DES have been used as functional solvents in extractions, electrodepositions and synthetic chemistry. Cyclodextrins are large, cyclic molecules, which are hydrophilic on the outside and hydrophobic inside; their cavities are particularly suited to selectively capture molecules through noncovalent host−guest interactions (superamolecular chemistry). This study looks into the structure of first ever SupraDES: deep eutectic solvents formulated with macromolecules, and their interaction with water. This study will hopefully help to develop useful non-toxic solvents for selective separations of gases and organic molecules, e.g. bio-derived pharmaceuticals.