Application of hydrophobic solvents based on L-menthol, as greener alternatives to classical solvents for Pb(II) ions extraction

Abstract

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents based on L-menthol and decanoic acid were developed and applied as environmentally sustainable alternatives to classical solvents for liquid-liquid extraction of Pb(II) ions. In the optimized extraction procedure, Pb(II) ions were extracted into the organic phase with efficiencies of 94.3% and 97.3% for the tested solvent systems. Unlike classical solvent extraction approaches, this method requires no counterions or ligand carriers, making it simpler and more cost-effective. The results demonstrate the potential of terpene-based hydrophobic eutectic solvents as green analytical tools for heavy metal extraction.