Tecnologias limpas na indústria química: substituição de solventes orgânicos por "solventes verdes"

Abstract

The growing concern about the environmental impacts generated by the chemical industry has driven the search for more sustainable alternatives in production processes. In this context, clean technologies stand out as strategies to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and minimize risks to human health and the environment. One of the main focuses of this transformation is the replacement of conventional organic solvents, generally derived from petroleum and highly toxic, with "green solvents," such as water, ethanol, and ionic liquids. These substitutes have a lower environmental impact, good chemical efficiency, and the possibility of reuse, aligning with the principles of "Green Chemistry". This article aims to analyze the role of green solvents in the modernization of the chemical industry, highlighting their advantages, challenges, and application prospects in different sectors. This research is based on a qualitative literature review, conducted through the analysis of 25 scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025. The studies were selected after an initial reading of the abstracts, considering as inclusion criteria thematic relevance, the approach to clean technologies, green solvents, and publication in reliable scientific journals. Duplicate works, studies outside the scope of the chemical industry, and publications without access to the full text were excluded. The searches were conducted through the Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and sustainability as pillars of contemporary chemistry.