Boosting responsible and sustainable processes by exploiting aqueous azeotropes

Among alternatives to the large volumes of organic solvents commonly employed in organic synthesis, water is particularly appealing owing to its safety, non-toxicity, and abundance. Even more so when water is used in combination with a precise ratio of organic solvent, the resulting azeotrope can be considered a strategic tool for transitioning towards a more responsible and sustainable chemical production. Recent literature discussed herein highlights the role of aqueous azeotropes in the production of chemicals and materials as well as in the design of waste-minimization processes and waste valorization approaches. Indeed, azeotropic distillation offers several advantages, including reduced energy costs, improved synthetic protocols, and high yield while minimizing byproduct formation, thereby facilitating purification. Moreover, the use of azeotropes facilitates the recovery and reuse of reaction media and unreacted materials, thereby minimizing waste.