Research advance in toxicology and environmental impact of ionic liquids

Ionic liquids possess good physical and chemical properties which are being considered as green replacements for industrial volatile organic compounds. With a wide range of applications of ionic liquids, it is important to assess the toxicity of ionic liquids and the impact on the environment. This paper summarized the newest information about ionic liquids’toxicity on individual organisms, tissues and organs and target molecules, as well as the degradability and adsorption of ionic liquids in the environment. The main factors that influence the toxicity of ionic liquids and the toxic mechanism of ionic liquids were analyzed. We hope that this paper would provide a good recommendation for the design, synthesis and application of harmless, environmental-friendliness and low toxic ionic liquids.