Green solvents in analytical chemistry: From sustainable innovation to education for a greener future

• Green solvents are alternatives to traditional solvents in analytical methodologies • Bio-based solvents, DES, IL and SCFs are common examples • Applications in analytical chemistry comprise sustainable extraction processes • Green solvents serve as teaching tools for life-cycle thinking • An educational framework links green chemistry principles to practice The transition towards greener analytical chemistry requires not only the development of sustainable methodologies but also robust educational strategies that enable their effective implementation in teaching and training contexts. Green solvents have emerged as key enablers of this transition, offering reduced toxicity, improved biodegradability, and lower environmental impact compared to conventional organic solvents. This review critically examines recent advances in green solvents for analytical chemistry, with a particular focus on bio-based solvents, deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, and supercritical fluids, discussing their analytical performance alongside sustainability and life-cycle considerations. Beyond their technical relevance, the pedagogical value of green solvents is explicitly addressed by analysing their role as educational tools for teaching life-cycle thinking, solvent selection, method greenness evaluation, and responsible decision-making. A structured educational framework is proposed, progressing from qualitative solvent selection guides to quantitative, life-cycle-oriented methodologies, and operationalised through hierarchical educational rules, workflow-based learning, and multi-criteria assessment tools such as GreenSOL, AGREE, and Eco-Scale. Illustrative laboratory-based, problem-based, and course-level educational scenarios are presented to demonstrate how green solvents can be systematically integrated into analytical chemistry curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In addition, the role of digital platforms and community-driven initiatives in supporting curriculum reform and educator training is highlighted. By linking solvent innovation, analytical method development, and education, this review provides a coherent roadmap for embedding sustainability as a core component of analytical chemistry, contributing to the development of competencies required for the next generation of chemists and aligning analytical education with Green Chemistry principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.