Exploring the structure of type V deep eutectic solvents by xenon NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

Hydrophobic non-ionic (type V) deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have recently emerged as a new class of sustainable materials that have shown unique properties in several applications. In this study, type V DESs thymol : camphor, menthol : thymol and eutectic mixtures (EMs) based on menthol : carboxylic acids with variable chain length, are experimentally investigated using xenon NMR spectroscopy, with the aim to clarify the peculiar nanostructure of these materials. The results, obtained from the analysis of the ¹²⁹Xe chemical shifts and of the longitudinal relaxation times, reveal a correlation between the deviation from ideality of the DESs and their structure free volume. Furthermore, the effect of varying the composition of DESs and EMs on the liquid structure is also studied.