Greenness and sustainability of common biosolvents in analytical chemistry

Abstract Solvents derived from renewable biomass are often viewed as inherently greener and more sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals. However, their bio-origin does not always guarantee these attributes, as they can still be energy-intensive to produce, toxic, and poorly biodegradable, with enduring trade-offs related to land competition, resource use, and technological maturity. This contribution critically examines selected commercial biosolvents for which sufficient life cycle data are available and underscores the need to verify green claims on solvents through a life cycle approach. It further challenges the assumption that structurally identical bio-based solvents are inherently greener, demonstrating that upstream environmental impacts may still occur. Common neoteric solvents, such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, are also examined, highlighting the importance of measuring unresolved environmental and toxicological data. Furthermore, water, often proposed as a green solvent due to its abundance and ability to dissolve many substances, is discussed, with attention to the challenges associated with its disposal. Ultimately, this article is a call to fill the critical knowledge gap in life cycle solvent data and emphasizes that solvent greenness and sustainability cannot be presumed. Instead, they require a holistic approach that moves beyond reliance on simplified green narratives and integrates rigorous life cycle assessment, ethical feedstock sourcing, and economic viability. Graphical abstract