Combination of supercritical carbon dioxide and ionic liquid in a novel assembly of carvacrol

Exploitation of neoteric solvents in the efficient total synthesis of carvacrol, an antimicrobial reagent, has been accomplished. The first reaction aimed supercritical mediated heterogeneous hydrogenation of carvone catalysed by palladium. The second step guided to an application of great salvation capacity of ionic liquids in separation of carvacrol from the post-hydrogenation mixture. The process has been completed by use of a high pressure CO2 potential to extract carvacrol from the ionic liquid reservoir.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Potential production of carvacrol from cheap and abundant plant rich in carvone. ► scCO2-hydrogenation performed at lower temperature than at classical processes. ► Fine tuning of ionic liquid properties differentiate solubility of ketones and carvacrol. ► A successful recovery of carvacrol with a minimal involvement of IL. ► The use of scCO2 as an excellent medium for reaction and extraction.