Extraction of chemicals

Question

what properties do you look for in a good solvent for extraction? at least 5

Answer 1

Dissolves compound of interest

Doesn't significantly dissolve the impurities present in the original source

Doesn't contaminate product (is easy to remove from desired product)

Reasonably cheap, or easily reused/recycled within the plant

As for a fifth property, it is probably a good idea to have a solvent that doesn't contaminate the environment, and it is often essential to have nontoxic solvents for food products.  For some applications, you may want a particularly high or low volatility solvent as well.