Evaluation of the ionic liquids 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate as a solvent for the extraction of benzene from cyclohexane: (Liquid + liquid) equilibria

In the catalytic hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexane, the separation of unreacted benzene from the product stream is inevitable and essential for an economically viable process. In order to evaluate the separation efficiency of ionic liquids (ILs) as a solvent in this extraction processes, the ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibrium of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [C_nmim][PF₆] (n = 4, 5, 6), with benzene and cyclohexane was studied at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The reliability of the experimentally determined tie-line data was confirmed by applying the Othmer–Tobias equation. The solute distribution coefficient and solvent selectivity for the systems studied were calculated and compared with literature data for other ILs and sulfolane. It turns out that the benzene distribution coefficient increases and solvent selectivity decreases as the length of the cation alkyl chain grows, and the ionic liquids [C_nmim][PF₆] proved to be promising solvents for benzene–cyclohexane extractive separation. Finally, an NRTL model was applied to correlate and fit the experimental LLE data for the ternary systems studied.     

Solubilities of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in aqueous salt solutions at 298.15 K

The solubilities of ionic liquids in the ternary systems (ionic liquid + H₂O + inorganic salt) were reported at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The examined ionic liquids are [C₄mim][PF₆] (1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), [C₈mim][PF₆] (1-n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), and [C₈mim][BF₄] (1-n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). The examined inorganic salts are the chloride-based salts (sodium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride) and the sodium-based salts (sodium thiocyanate, sodium nitrate, sodium trifluoroacetate, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium perchlorate, sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium tetrafluoroborate, sodium sulfate, and sodium carbonate). The effects of the cations and the anions of the ionic liquids and of the inorganic salts on the solubility of the ionic liquids in the ternary solutions were systematically compared and discussed.     

Thermodynamic studies of the ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C6mim][Cl] in polyethylene glycol aqueous solutions

Vapour pressure osmometery (VPO) measurements at T = 308.15 K for {[C₆mim][Cl] + water}, {[C₆mim][Cl] + (0.005, 0.0155, and 0.0263) mol · kg⁻¹ PEG2000 + water} and {[C₆mim][Cl] + (0.0017, 0.0052, and 0.0088) mol · kg⁻¹ PEG6000 + water} systems and isopiestic measurements at T = 298.15 K for {[C₆mim][Cl] + PEG2000 + water} and {[C₆mim][Cl] + PEG6000 + water} systems have been carried out. The VPO measurements were carried out at very low concentrations of PEG and from which the values of the water activities, osmotic coefficients, vapour pressure and activity coefficients were obtained. The data obtained from the VPO method show that over the whole concentration range of the ionic liquid (IL), the activity coefficients of [C₆mim][Cl] in the presence of PEG2000 are increased. Although, at high IL concentrations, the values of the activity coefficient of [C₆mim][Cl] in the presence of PEG6000 are also increased, however for low concentrations of IL the values of the activity coefficient of [C₆mim][Cl] in pure water are larger than those in aqueous PEG6000 solutions. For a known IL concentration, the values of water activity coefficient for the binary {[C₆mim][Cl] + water} system are larger than those for the ternary {[C₆mim][Cl] + PEG + water} systems and decrease by increasing the concentration of PEG or decreasing the molar mass of PEG. The constant water activity lines of the all ternary systems obtained from the isopiestic method show positive deviation from the linear isopiestic relation (Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson rule) derived using the semi-ideal hydration model. The results have been interpreted in terms of the solute–water and solute–solute interactions.     

(Vapour + liquid) equilibria,volumetric and compressibility behaviour of binary and ternary aqueous solutions of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,methyl potassium malonate,and ethyl potassium malonate

(Vapour + liquid) equilibrium data (water activity, vapour pressure, osmotic coefficient, and activity coefficient) of binary aqueous solutions of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₆mim][Cl]), methyl potassium malonate, and ethyl potassium malonate and ternary {[C₆mim][Cl] + methyl potassium malonate} and {[C₆mim][Cl] + ethyl potassium malonate} aqueous solutions were obtained through the isopiestic method at T = 298.15 K. These results reveal that the ionic liquid behaves as surfactant-like and aggregates in aqueous solutions at molality about 0.4 mol · kg⁻¹. The constant water activity lines of all the ternary systems investigated show small negative deviations from the linear isopiestic relation (Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson rule) derived using the semi-ideal hydration model. The density and speed of sound measurements were carried out on solutions of methyl potassium malonate and ethyl potassium malonate in water and of [C₆mim][Cl] in aqueous solutions of 0.25 mol · kg⁻¹ methyl potassium malonate and ethyl potassium malonate at T = (288.15 to 308.15) K at atmospheric pressure. From the experimental density and speed of sound data, the values of the apparent molar volume, apparent molar isentropic compressibility and excess molar volume were evaluated and from which the infinite dilution apparent molar volume and infinite dilution apparent molar isentropic compressibility were calculated at each temperature. Although, there are no clear differences between the values of the apparent molar volume of [C₆mim][Cl] in pure water and in methyl potassium malonate or ethyl potassium malonate aqueous solutions, however, the results show a positive transfer isentropic compressibility of [C₆mim][Cl] from pure water to the methyl potassium malonate or ethyl potassium malonate aqueous solutions. The results have been interpreted in terms of the solute–water and solute–solute interactions.     

Thermodynamic properties and polymorphism of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(triflamides)

Heat capacities in a range of temperatures of (5 to 370) K, enthalpies and temperatures of phase transitions for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(triflamide) ([C₂mim][NTf₂]) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(triflamide) ([C₈mim][NTf₂]) have been determined by adiabatic calorimetry. [C₂mim][NTf₂] has been found to form four crystalline phases with different fusion temperatures. Formation of the phases can be controlled by the temperature of annealing during crystallization. [C₈mim][NTf₂] forms three sequences of crystalline modifications, each including two polymorphs. Based on results of the measurements, thermodynamic functions for the compounds under study have been calculated.A heat-capacity anomaly near T = 230 K reported earlier for [C₄mim][NTf₂] and [C₆mim][NTf₂] have been found in some crystalline modifications of both the studied compounds. The position of the anomaly depends on the temperature of annealing of the crystals.     

Prediction of thermophysical properties of novel ionic liquids based on serine [Cnmim][Ser] (n = 3, 4) using semiempirical methods

Two novel ionic liquids based on serine [C_nmim][Ser] (n = 3, 4) were prepared by the neutralization method and their structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The density, surface tension, and refractive index of the two ILs were measured from T = (298.15 to 338.15) K. Since these ILs [C_nmim][Ser] (n = 3, 4) could form strong hydrogen bonds with water, small amount of water in the ILs is difficult to removed by common methods. In order to eliminate the effect of trace of water, the standard addition method (SAM) was applied to these measurements. On the basis of the experimental data, the speed of sound (μ), thermal expansion coefficient (α), molecular volume (V_m), standard entropy (S⁰298), entropy of surface (S_a), energy of surface (E_a), parachor (P), molar polarization (R_m), and polarization coefficient (α_p) were calculated, and the relationship between each of these properties of [C_nmim][Ser] (n = 3, 4) and temperatures was discussed. According to the additivity, the average value of anionic parachor, P_−(ave), was 180.81 for [Ser]⁻. At the same time, the surface tension of these serine ionic liquids could be estimated from their parachor and refractive index. The estimated values of the surface tension and the corresponding experimental data were almost identical.     

Study on the enthalpy of solution and enthalpy of dilution for the ionic liquid [C3mim][Val] (1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium valine)

A new amino acid ionic liquid (AAIL) [C₃mim][Val] (1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium valine) was prepared by the neutralization method. Using the solution-reaction isoperibol calorimeter, molar solution enthalpies of the ionic liquid [C₃mim][Val] with known amounts of water and with different concentrations in molality were measured at T = 298.15 K. In terms of standard addition method (SAM) and Archer’s method, the standard molar enthalpy of solution for [C₃mim][Val] without water, ${\mathrm{\Delta }}_{\text{s}}{H}_{\text{m}}^{\circ }$ = (−55.7 ± 0.4) kJ · mol⁻¹, was obtained. The hydration enthalpy of the cation [C₃mim]⁺, ΔH₊ ([C₃mim]⁺) = −226 kJ · mol⁻¹, was estimated in terms of Glasser’s theory. Using the RD496-III heat conduction microcalorimeter, the molar enthalpies of dilution, Δ_DH_m(m_i → m_f), of aqueous [C₃mim][Val] with various values of molality were measured. The values of Δ_DH_m(m_i → m_f) were fitted to Pitzer’s ion-interaction model and the values of apparent relative molar enthalpy, ^φL, calculated using Pitzer’s ion-interaction model.     

Esterification of (RS)-Ibuprofen by native and commercial lipases in a two-phase system containing ionic liquids

Four commercially available lipases and two native lipases from Aspergillus niger AC-54 and Aspergillus terreus AC-430 were used for the resolution of (RS)-Ibuprofen in systems containing the ionic liquids [BMIM][PF₆] and [BMIM][BF₄]. The lipases showed higher conversion in a two-phase system using [BMIM][PF₆] and isooctane compared to that in pure isooctane. Although the best enzyme was a commercially available lipase from Candida rugosa (E = 8.5), another native lipase, produced in our laboratory, from A. niger gave better enantioselectivity (E = 4.6) than the other lipases tested (E = 1.9–3.3.). After thorough optimization of several reaction conditions (type and ratios of isooctane/ionic liquid, amount of enzyme, and reaction time), the E-value of A. niger lipase (15% w/v) could be duplicated (E = 9.2) in a solvent system composed of [BMIM][PF₆] and isooctane (1:1) after 96 h of reaction.     

Relative hydrophobicity of equilibrium phases in biphasic systems (ionic liquid + water)

Partition coefficients for a series of dinitrophenylated (DNP) amino acids in biphasic systems composed of hydrophobic ionic liquids and water were experimentally determined. The ionic liquids used were three 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborates, [C_nmim][BF₄], with alkyl chain substituents hexyl, octyl, and decyl. The liquid–liquid phase diagram for the system ([C₁₀mim][BF₄] + water) was experimentally determined. DNP amino acids distribute preferentially to the IL-rich phase and ([C₁₀mim][BF₄] + water) was found to be the system with the lowest partition coefficients for the solutes studied. The experimental partition coefficients decrease as the size of the alkyl side chain in the ionic liquids increases. The free energy of transfer of a methylene group between phases was calculated through the partition coefficients, which provides a measure of the relative hydrophobicity of the equilibrium phases. It was found that the system ([C₁₀mim][BF₄] + water) presents a lower free energy (and thus a lower relative hydrophobicity) than the system ([C₈mim][BF₄] + water). In order to better understand this result, the micellar behavior of the three ionic liquids was studied. Electrical conductivities of several aqueous solutions of the ionic liquids were measured to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the degree of micelle ionization, α, of the three ionic liquids. From these two properties it was possible to obtain the free energy of micellization, ΔG_mic, for the ionic liquids.     

Gels of ionic liquid [C4mim]PF6 formed by self-assembly of gelators and their electrochemical properties

Three types of gelators, bis(4-octanoylaminophenyl) ether (BODE), bis(4-octanoylaminophenyl) methane (BODM) and 2,4′-bis(octanureido) toluene (BOUT) were utilized as gelators for the gelation of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-menthyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₄mim]PF₆). The mean minimum gelator concentrations (MGCs) for the [C₄mim]PF₆ were found to be less than 2 wt%. The polarized optical microscopy image of [C₄mim]PF₆ gels reveals the formation of spherical crystallites resulting from the fibrillar aggregates of the gelators. The cyclic voltammograms of the [C₄mim]PF₆ gels indicate a good electrochemical stability over the range from ?3.0 to 3.0 V. The impedance spectra of the [C₄mim]PF₆ gels show good linear relationships between ion conductivity and temperature, indicating that the temperature dependence of the conductivity follows the classical Arrhenius equation.     

Study of the solubility of CO2, H2S and their mixture in the ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate: Experimental and modelling

New experimental results are presented for the solubility of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide in the ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₈mim][PF₆]) at temperatures range from (303.15 to 353.15) K and pressures up to about 2 MPa. The solubility of the mixture of CO₂/H₂S in [C₈mim][PF₆] under various feed compositions were also measured at temperatures of (303.15, 323.15 and 343.15) K and the pressure up to 1 MPa. The solubility of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide increased with increasing pressure and decreased with increasing temperature and the solubility of H₂S is about three times that of CO₂ in the particular ionic liquid studied. The measured data were correlated using extended Henry’s law included Pitzer’s virial expansion for the excess Gibbs energy, and the generic Redlich–Kwong cubic equation of state proposed for gas/ionic liquid systems. The correlations from the two models show quite good consistency with the experimental data for CO₂/IL and H₂S/IL binary mixtures within experimental uncertainties. For CO₂/H₂S/IL ternary mixtures, the RK model shows better correlation with the experimental values. We also studied the effect of cation alkyl chain length on the CO₂ and H₂S solubility by comparison of the experimental data of this study with those of previous reports. As the cation alkyl chain length became longer, the solubility of CO₂ and H₂S increased in the ionic liquid. Additionally, the influence of the anion on the solubility is studied by comparing the solubility of CO₂ and H₂S in [C₈mim][PF₆] with those in [C₈mim][Tf₂N]. As a result, CO₂ and H₂S have higher solubility in the IL with [Tf₂N]⁻ as the anion.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria for (acetate-based ionic liquids + inorganic salts) aqueous two-phase systems

In the present work, (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data have been determined experimentally for aqueous two-phase systems formed by the imidazolium ionic liquids of [C_nmim][CH₃COO] (n = 4, 6, 8) and inorganic salts of K₃PO₄, K₂HPO₄, and K₂CO₃ at T = 298.15 K. Combined with available data in the literature, the effect of alkyl chain length of cations, type of anions of the ionic liquids, and nature of the inorganic salts were examined on the binodal curves of the systems. Then the binodal curves were fitted to a four-parameter empirical equation, and the tie-lines were described by the Othmer–Tobias and Bancroft equations. In addition, the extraction capacity of the {[C_nmim][CH₃COO] (n = 4, 6, 8) + K₃PO₄} aqueous two-phase systems was evaluated through their application to the extraction of l-tryptophan. The high extraction efficiency suggests that these aqueous two-phase systems are feasible to be used in the extraction and separation process.     

Densities and dynamic viscosities of the binary system (water + 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide) at different temperatures

Densities and viscosities were measured for pure ionic liquid [C₆mim][Br] (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide) and the binary system (water + [C₆mim][Br]) at 0.1 MPa and in the (293.15 to 333.15) K range. The excess molar volume and viscosity deviation were calculated and correlated by Redlich–Kister polynomial expansions. The fitting parameters and the standard deviations were determined.     

Synthesis of rigid and C2-symmetric 18-crown-6 type macrocycles bearing diamide–diester groups: enantiomeric recognition for α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorate salts

A series of rigid and chiral C₂-symmetric 18-crown-6 type macrocycles (S,S)-4, (S,S)-5, (S,S)-6 and (R,R)-2 bearing diamide–ester groups were synthesized. The binding properties of these macrocycles were examined for α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorates salts by an ¹H NMR titration method. Taking into account the host employed, important differences were observed in the K_a values of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of guests for macrocycles (S,S)-4 and (S,S)-6, K_S/K_R = 3.6, and K_S/K_R = 0.1 (K_R/K_S = 10.3) ΔΔG = 3.19 and ΔΔG = ?5.77 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The results indicated excellent enantioselectivity of macrocyclic (S,S)-6 towards the enantiomers of α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorate salts.     

Effect of electrolytes on surface tension and surface adsorption of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid in aqueous solution

Surface and bulk properties of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C₆mim][Cl] as an ionic liquid (IL) have been investigated by surface tension and electrical conductivity techniques at various temperatures. Results reveal that the ionic liquid behaves as surfactant-like and aggregates in aqueous solution. Critical aggregation concentration (cac) values obtained by conductivity and surface tension measurements are in good agreement with values found in the literature. A series of important and useful adsorption parameters including cac, surface excess concentration (Γ), and minimum surface area per molecule (A_min) at the air + water interface were estimated from surface tension in the presence and absence of different electrolytes. Obtained data show that the surface tension as well as the cac of [C₆mim][Cl] is reduced by electrolytes. Also, values of surface excess concentration (Γ) show that the IL ions in the presence of electrolyte have much larger affinity to adsorption at the surface and this affinity increased in aqueous electrolyte solution in the order of I^? > Br^? > Cl^? for counter ion of salts that was explained in terms of a larger repulsion of chloride anions from interface to the bromide and iodide anion as well as difference in their excess polarizability.     

Solubility of CO2 in 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids with different anions

The solubility of carbon dioxide in a series of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium ([hemim]⁺) based ionic liquids (ILs) with different anions, viz. hexafluorophosphate ([PF₆]^?), trifluoromethanesulfonate ([OTf]^?), and bis-(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide ([Tf₂N]^?) at temperatures ranging from 303.15 K to 353.15 K and pressures up to 1.3 MPa were determined. The solubility data were correlated using the Krichevsky–Kasarnovsky equation and Henry’s law constants were obtained at different temperatures. Using the solubility data, the partial molar thermodynamic functions of solution such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated. Comparison showed that the solubility of CO₂ in the ILs studied follows the same behaviour as the corresponding conventional 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ([emim]⁺) based ILs with the same anions, i.e. [hemim][NTf₂] > [hemim][OTf] > [hemim][PF₆] > [hemim][BF₄].     

The influence of 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide on the partitioning of l-tyrosine within the {polyethylene glycol 600 + potassium citrate} aqueous biphasic system at T = 298.15 K

Partitioning in aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) is widely recognized today as a rapid, gentle, and highly efficient technique for the separation of soluble as well as particulate biomaterials. This technique has gained increasing attention as the separation method of choice in biotechnology. In recent years, a new approach has been proposed based on the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as adjuvants for the separation and purification of bio-molecules using polymer-based ABS. In this regard, the influence of IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₄mim]Br) on the phase behavior and extraction capability of {PEG 600 + tri-potassium citrate (K₃C₆H₅O₇)} ABS for l-tyrosine (Tyr) is investigated here. For this purpose, phase diagrams and the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the {PEG 600 + K₃C₆H₅O₇} ABS with the addition of small quantities of IL were determined at T = 298.15 K. It was found that, for the studied polymer-based ABS, the addition of 5 wt% of [C₄mim]Br to ABS caused the expansion of two-phase area in the salt-rich region; while, for the PEG-rich region no change was observed. The partition coefficients of l-tyrosine (K_Tyr) within the studied system were determined at T = 298.15 K. The results obtained indicate that the addition of small quantities of [C₄mim]Br to the {PEG 600 + K₃C₆H₅O₇} ABS could enhance the extraction efficiency for l-tyrosine. In addition, the experimental data are correlated using the NRTL model. The comparisons between the correlation and the experimental data reveal a good agreement.     

Solubility of H2S in ionic liquids [hmim][PF6], [hmim][BF4], and [hmim][Tf2N]

The solubility of hydrogen sulphide in three ionic liquids, viz. 1-hexyl-3-methylilmidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([hmim][PF₆]), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([hmim][BF₄]), and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([hmim][Tf₂N]), at temperatures ranging from 303.15 K to 343.15 K and pressures up to 1.1 MPa were determined. The solubility values were correlated using the Krichevsky–Kasarnovsky equation and Henry’s constants were obtained at different temperatures. Partial molar thermodynamic functions of solvation such as standard Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated from the solubility results. Comparison of the values obtained show that the solubility of H₂S in these three ionic liquids was in the sequence: [hmim][BF₄] > [hmim][PF₆] ≈ [hmim][Tf₂N].     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium of (imidazolium ionic liquids + organic salts) aqueous two-phase systems at T = 298.15 K and the influence of salts and ionic liquids on the phase separation

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium for the {1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₂mim]BF₄)/1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₃mim]BF₄) + organic salt + H₂O} aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been experimentally ascertained at T = 298.15 K. Three empirical equations were used to correlate the binodal data. On the basis of the empirical equation of the binodal curve with the highest accuracy and lever rule, the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data were calculated by MATLAB. The reliability of the tie line compositions was proved by the empirical correlation equations given by the Othmer–Tobias and Bancroft equations. The effective excluded volume (EEV) values obtained from the binodal model for these systems were determined. The EEV and the binodal curves plotted in molality both indicate that the salting-out abilities of the four salts follow the order: Na₃C₆H₅O₇ > (NH₄)₃C₆H₅O₇ > Na₂C₄H₄O₄ ≈ Na₂C₄H₄O₆, while the phase-separation abilities of the investigated ILs are in the order of [C₃mim]BF₄ > [C₂mim]BF₄. In the systems investigated, the effect of salts on the phase-forming capability was also evaluated in the shape of the salting-out coefficient obtained from fitting the tie-line data to a Setschenow-type equation. The phase-forming ability increases with the increase of salting-out coefficient.