Effect of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate on the phase transition of starch: Dissolution or gelatinization?

► The water/[Emim][OAc] ratio has a great impact on the phase transition of starch. ► The ratio decides whether gelatinization or dissolution dominates. ► The dissolution of starch by [Emim][OAc] is an exothermic process. ► At a certain ratio gelatinization and dissolution occur synergistically. ► The synergic effects greatly reduced the temperature for starch phase transition.