Ionic liquids as solvents for dissolution of corn starch and homogeneous synthesis of fatty-acid starch esters without catalysts

► Starch granules dispersed in [BMIM]Cl and [EMIM]AC were smaller than native starch. ► Some large starch aggregates were formed during the dispersed processes in ILs. ► Addition of DMSO into [BMIM]Cl could increase dissolubility and fluidity of [BMIM]Cl. ► Fatty-acid starch esters were synthesized in [BMIM]Cl, [EMIM]AC and [BMIM]Cl/DMSO. ► The DS of starch laurate reached to 0.10 using [BMIM]Cl/DMSO as reaction medium.