Final answer:
The solvent selected for hot-solvent recrystallization should have good solvent power, be environmentally benign, promote energy conservation, and facilitate easy degradation. Water is often a preferred solvent due to its ability to dissolve many substances and its minimal environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting a solvent for hot-solvent recrystallization, it is important that the solvent adheres to certain criteria to ensure the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the process. First and foremost, the solvent should demonstrate adequate solvent power to dissolve the substance at higher temperatures while allowing the substance to precipitate out upon cooling. Utilizing solvents with favorable properties, such as water, enhances the ability for substances to form true solutions and increase the likelihood of successful recrystallization.
In the context of green chemistry, selecting a safer solvent also involves considering the environmental impact. Thus, it's preferred to avoid harsh solvents or chemical derivatives that may generate waste. Instead, using benign chemicals, renewable raw materials, or even water with proper additives can mitigate environmental harm and potential health risks.
It is also significant to integrate energy conservation into the process by operating at normal ambient temperature and pressure when possible and designing the process for easy degradation of chemicals. This approach contributes to a more sustainable form of chemical processing.