Solvent extraction (SX) is an important separation method with countless applications in the chemical industry. The water/oil interface is an essential feature of SX systems. Microfluidic technology is ideally suited for exploitation in SX due to intrinsic advantages of the micro dimensions that result in laminar flow conditions, high surface-to-volume ratio and the reduced chemical quantities needed. This review describes the use of microfluidic devices in SX. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.