Advances in analytical chemistry using the unique properties of ionic liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) are regarded as non-molecular solvents, as they are composed entirely of cations and anions. ILs possess several excellent unique properties (e.g., low volatility, high thermal stability, specific electrochemical characteristics, easy design, tunable viscosity, and miscibility with water or organic solvents). These properties make ILs attractive candidates for various analytical applications, the number of publications on which has increased exponentially in the past decade.This article presents an overview of representative applications of ILs in advances in analytical chemistry that benefited from the unique properties of ILs, including the development achieved by using ILs as extraction solvents, dissolution solvents and separation media.

► Unique properties make ionic liquids (ILs) attractive for analytical applications.
► Analytical chemistry has benefited from the unique properties of ionic liquids (ILs).
► Challenges and perspectives of applying ionic liquids (ILs) in analytical chemistry.