The ability to make a solvent respond to stimuli and change its properties under new conditions can be extremely consequential. Historically, solvents were energy consuming because solubility was controlled almost exclusively through heating and cooling. With next generation solvents that have been demonstrated and developed, solvents can be controlled by factors such as pressure or pH.

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These new so-called obedient solvents open up possibilities for niche and industrial uses that change the energy profiles for many chemical processes.