In this paper a simple approach was developed to optimize a conceptual solvent for conventional absorption-based postcombustion CO2 capture processes. The solvent was configured on the basis of properties of commercially available amine solvents and optimized to achieve the least total equivalent work. The conceptual solvent is characterized by its heat of reaction, which was further used to estimate the sensible and stripping heat of the process through the newly proposed approach. Results showed that the optimal heat of reaction for a conceptual solvent depends on operating conditions. With typical solvent regeneration conditions for conventional processes (2 atm operating pressure), the optimal heat of reaction for a conceptual solvent is about 71 kJ/mol CO2 and the total equivalent work for the process is 0.1034 kWh/kg CO2. The results of this study will provide new insights and guidance for identifying and developing energy-efficient solvents for CO2 capture applications.