Understanding the Formation of Deep Eutectic Solvents: Betaine as a Universal Hydrogen Bond Acceptor
Dinis O. Abranches, Liliana P. Silva, Mónia A. R. Martins, Simão P. Pinho, João A. P. Coutinho
Abstract
The mechanism of formation of betaine-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) is presented for the first time. Due to its polarity unbalance, it was found that betaine displays strong negative deviations from ideality when mixed with a variety of different organic substances. These results pave the way for a comprehensive design of novel deep eutectic solvents. A connection to biologically relevant systems was made using betaine (osmolyte) and urea (protein denaturant), showing that these two compounds formed a DES, the molecular interactions of which were greatly enhanced in the presence of water.
Topics & Concepts
BetaineEutectic systemOsmolyteDeep eutectic solventChemistryHydrogen bondUreaOrganic chemistryMoleculeAlloyBiochemistryIonic liquids properties and applicationsAnalytical Chemistry and SensorsElectrochemical Analysis and Applications