Limonene as a natural product extraction solvent

Abstract

First reported in 2004, and subsequently advanced by Chemat's team and other research teams in the following two decades, the use of D-limonene as a natural product extraction solvent offers multiple benefits that go beyond its environmentally benign nature. Following a review of the main research achievements concerning the use of this biosolvent in the extraction of widely different natural products, we offer a comprehensive perspective including usually neglected economic and safety aspects. The study concludes by identifying three main research outcomes and providing two guidelines to bioeconomy practitioners willing to use this terpene in new natural production extraction and production processes.