Ionic liquids, which are chemically similar to table salt, are liquid at room temperature. Unlike organic solvents, many ionic liquids do not evaporate or escape into the atmosphere easily. Another advantage of the liquids is that they can be recycled and reused as solvents many times. Solvents are widely used in many industries, and by individulas, for cleaning, degreasing, stripping and thinning. Examples of well-known organic solvents include acetone, kerosene and naphtha.
Ionic liquids can be tailor-made to dissolve a vast range of substances.