Aurones are minor flavonoids that possess a wide variety of bioactivity, including antioxidant, anticancer, and enzyme inhibitory activity. L-proline-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) were synthesized and applied as solvents and catalysts for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction between benzofuranone and substituted benzaldehydes to produce aurones in high yields and purity. The reaction between benzofuranone and vanillin served as the model reaction. After screening three NaDESs, and testing microwave, as well as ultrasound as energy sources, we concluded that the optimum results are obtained using L-proline/glycerol 1:2 as catalyst and solvent and ultrasound irradiation. The scope of the reaction was evaluated using a variety of benzaldehydes, and the corresponding aurones were obtained in moderate to satisfactory yields (57–89%) and high purity. An important additional feature of the described methodology is the recyclability and reusability of the NaDES, which was recycled and effectively reused after 6 cycles.

Biocompatible Ionic Liquids (Bio-ILs) are a new class of ILs that are task-specifically designed to derive from naturally occurring compounds and/or derivatives thereof, as well as molecules well known for their biocompatibility (e.g., active pharmaceutical ingredients or non-toxic bioactive compounds) in terms of sustainability and biocompatibility. Owing to their remarkable physicochemical properties that can be tailor made to comply with the requirements of each application, Bio-ILs have emerged as novel, efficient and green technology, appropriate for a vast variety of scientific fields. Herein, this review describes the state-of-the-art scientific research regarding the synthesis, characterization and applications of Bio-ILs reported in the literature for the period between 2020 and 2022.