Alkylsulfate-based ionic liquids in the liquid–liquid extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons

The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data (LLE) for the extraction of toluene from heptane with different ionic liquids (ILs) based on the alkylsulfate anion (R-SO₄) was determined at T = 313.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The effect of more complex R-SO₄ anions on capacity of extraction and selectivity in the liquid–liquid extraction of toluene from heptane was studied. The ternary systems were formed by {heptane + toluene + 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methylsulfate ([mmim][CH₃SO₄]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogensulfate ([emim][HSO₄]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([emim][CH₃SO₄]), or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([emim][C₂H₅SO₄])}. The degree of quality of the experimental LLE data was ascertained by applying the Othmer–Tobias correlation. The phase diagrams for the ternary systems were plotted, and the tie lines correlated with the NRTL model compare satisfactorily with the experimental data.     

Separation of toluene from cyclic hydrocarbons using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ionic liquid at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure

In this paper the extraction of toluene from cyclic hydrocarbons (cyclohexane, or methylcyclohexane, or cyclooctane, or cyclohexene) was analyzed by liquid extraction with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ionic liquid, [BMim][MSO₄], as solvent. The experimental (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data were determined at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Solubility curves were obtained by the cloud point method and tie-line compositions were determined by density measurement. An analysis of the influence of different cyclic hydrocarbons on the extraction was performed.The effectiveness of the extraction of toluene from cyclic hydrocarbons was evaluated by means of the solute distribution ratio and selectivity values. The degree of consistency of the experimental LLE data was ascertained using the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations. The experimental data for the (liquid + liquid) equilibria of the ternary systems were correlated with the Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) and UNIversal QUAsi-Chemical (UNIQUAC) thermodynamic models.     

Quaternary (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for the extraction of toluene from alkanes using the ionic liquid [EMim][MSO4]

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) studies for the extraction of aromatics from alkanes present in the petroleum fractions are important to develop theoretical/semiempirical (liquid + liquid) equilibrium models, which are used in the design of extraction processes. In this work, the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate, [EMim][MSO₄], was evaluated as potential solvent for the separation of toluene from heptane and cyclohexane. The LLE data for the quaternary system {heptane (1) + cyclohexane (2) + toluene (3) + [EMim][MSO₄] (4)} were experimentally determined at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the LLE data for the ternary systems {heptane or cyclohexane (1) + toluene (2) + [EMim][MSO₄] (3)} were also determined. Solute distribution ratios and selectivities were calculated and analysed in order to evaluate the capability of the ionic liquid to accomplish the separation target. A comparison between the solute distribution ratios and selectivities for the quaternary and the ternary systems was also made. Finally, the experimental tie-line data were correlated with the NRTL model.     

Ethanol extraction from its azeotropic mixture with hexane employing different ionic liquids as solvents

In this work, the ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [EMim][NTf₂], 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [BMim][NTf₂], 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [BMpy][NTf₂], 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, [BMpy][TfO], have been investigated for their use as solvents in extraction processes for the ethanol removal from its azeotropic mixture with hexane. Therefore, the experimental determination of the liquid + liquid equilibrium for the ternary systems {hexane (1) + ethanol (2) + [EMim][NTf₂] (3)}, {hexane (1) + ethanol (2) + [BMim][NTf₂] (3)}, {hexane (1) + ethanol (2) + [BMpy][NTf₂] (3)} and {hexane (1) + ethanol (2) + [BMpy][TfO] (3)} was carried out at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Classical parameters such as selectivity and solute distribution ratio, derived from the tie-line data, were calculated and afterwards, the structural influence of the ionic liquids on the extraction process was analyzed. Finally, the experimental LLE data were correlated by means of the NRTL and UNIQUAC models.     

Extraction of toluene from aliphatic compounds using an ionic liquid as solvent: Influence of the alkane on the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium

In this paper, the feasibility of using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ionic liquid, [EMim][ESO₄], as solvent for the extraction of toluene from aliphatic compounds (hexane, heptane, octane, or nonane) was analyzed. (Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary systems {alkane (1) + toluene (2) + [EMim][ESO₄] (3)} were measured at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Selectivity and solute distribution ratio were calculated from the experimental LLE data, and the obtained values were compared to those previously reported using other ionic liquids and sulfolane. The degree of consistency of the experimental LLE data was ascertained using the Othmer–Tobias equation. Finally, the experimental LLE data were satisfactorily correlated with NRTL and UNIQUAC models.     

1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids as solvents in the separation of azeotropic mixtures

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for the ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [EMim][NTf₂], 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [PMim][NTf₂], 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [BMim][NTf₂], and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [HMim][NTf₂], mixed with ethanol and heptane were studied at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The ability of these ionic liquids as solvents for the extraction of ethanol from heptane was evaluated in terms of selectivity and solute distribution ratio. Moreover, density and refractive index values over the miscible region for the ternary mixtures were also measured at T = 313.15 K. Finally, the experimental data were correlated with the Non Random Two Liquids (NRTL) and UNIversal QUAsi Chemical (UNIQUAC) thermodynamic models, and an exhaustive comparison with available literature data of the studied systems was carried out.     

Cation effect of ammonium imide based ionic liquids in alcohols extraction from alcohol-alkane azeotropic mixtures

During recent last years, outstanding properties of ionic liquids such as low melting point, large liquid range and negligible volatility have turned them into possible volatile organic solvents replacers to break alcohol-alkane azeotropic mixtures. On this basis, two ionic liquids, butyltrimethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [BTMA][NTf₂], and tributylmethylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [TBMA][NTf₂], were studied through ternary liquid+liquid equilibrium (LLE) of {alkane(1) + alcohol (2) + IL(3)} at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure in order to consider the effect of ionic liquid cation alkyl chain length on the extraction process.The ILs capability as azeotrope breakers was determined by the calculation of parameters such as solute distribution ratio, β, and selectivity, S and this capability was compared with other bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide based ionic liquids from literature. The consistency of tie-line data was ascertained by applying the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations. Finally, the experimental LLE were correlated by the Non Random Two Liquid (NRTL) thermodynamic model.     

Evaluation of [bmim][PF6] as an ionic solvent for the extraction of propylbenzene from aliphatic compounds

The evaluation of using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflurophosphate ionic liquid, [bmim][PF₆], as a solvent for the extraction of propylbenzene from aliphatic compounds was studied. The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) for two ternary systems comprising {dodecane or tetradecane + propylbenzene + [bmim][PF₆]} were analysed at atmospheric pressure and two temperatures, (313 and 333) K. The consistency of the experimental tie line data was ascertained by applying the Othmer–Tobias correlation. The effect of temperature, n-alkane chain length and solvent to feed ratio upon solubility, distribution ratio, selectivity, and per cent removal of the aromatic were investigated. The experimental LLE data were correlated using the UNIQAC and NRTL models for the activity coefficient with estimation of new interaction parameters, using the simplex minimization method and a composition based objective function. The calculated results from both methods are considered satisfactory.     

Phase equilibria study of the binary systems (ionic liquid + thiophene): Desulphurization process

(Solid + liquid) equilibria (SLE) and (liquid + liquid) equilibria (LLE) for the binary systems: {ionic liquid (IL) N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tosylate (p-toluenesulfonate) [BM⁴Py][TOS], or N-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tosylate [BM³Py][TOS], or N-hexyl-3-methylpyridinium tosylate [HM³Py][TOS], or N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide [BM⁴Py][NTf₂], or 1,4-dimethylpyridinium tosylate [M^1,4Py][TOS], or 2,4,6-collidine tosylate [M^2,4,6Py][TOS], or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [EMIM][SCN], or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [BMIM][SCN], or 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [HMIM][SCN], or triethylsulphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Et₃S][NTf₂] + thiophene} have been determined at ambient pressure. A dynamic method was used over a broad range of mole fractions and temperatures from (270 to 390) K. In the case of systems (pyridinium IL, or sulphonium IL + thiophene) the mutual immiscibility with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) was detected at the very narrow and low mole fraction of the IL. For the binary systems containing (imidazolium thiocyanate IL + thiophene), the mutual immiscibility with the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was detected at the higher mole fraction range of the IL. The basic thermal properties of the pure ILs, i.e. melting and glass-transition temperatures as well as the enthalpy of fusion have been measured using a differential scanning microcalorimetry technique (DSC). The well-known NRTL equation has been used to correlate experimental SLE/LLE data sets.     

Densities and refractive indices of imidazolium- and phosphonium-based ionic liquids: Effect of temperature,alkyl chain length,and anion

A systematic study of densities and refractive indices of 17 room temperature ionic liquids is presented at four different temperatures ranging from 293 K to 333 K. The ionic liquids are grouped into four families: 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, [C_nmim][Ntf₂], ionic liquids (with n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14); 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [C_nmim][PF₆], ionic liquids (with n = 4, 6, 8); ionic liquids based on the trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium cation, [P_{6 6 6 14}], combined with the anions bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, [Ntf₂], acetate, [OAc], and triflate, [OTf]; and [C₄mim]-based ionic liquids combined with the anions [OAc], [OTf], methylsulfate [MeSO₄], and tetrafluoroborate [BF₄]. The data obtained were analysed to determine the effect of (i) temperature, (ii) the alkyl chain length of the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, and (iii) the nature of the anion. Different empirical models for the calculation of the densities of the ionic liquids were tested. Molar refractions were also calculated from the volumetric and refractive index data and the values were discussed with the aim of checking their utility in obtaining insights on the intermolecular forces and behaviour in solution of the different ionic liquids.     

(Liquid + liquid) phase equilibria of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate with alcohols,or ethers,or ketones

Solubilities of binary mixtures that contain a room-temperature ionic liquid and an organic solvent – namely, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methylsulfate, [mmim][CH₃SO₄], or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate, [bmim][CH₃SO₄] with an alcohol (hexan-1-ol, or octan-1-ol, or nonan-1-ol, or decan-1-ol), or an ether (dipropyl ether, or dibutyl ether, or methyl-1,1-dimethylethyl ether, or methyl-1,1-dimethylpropyl ether), or a ketone (pentan-2-one, or pentan-3-one, or hexan-2-one, or heptan-4-one, or cyclopentanone) – have been measured by a visual method from T = 270 K to the boiling temperature of the solvent. The (liquid + liquid) equilibria curves were predicted by the COSMO-RS method. For [bmim][CH₃SO₄], the COSMO-RS predictions correspond better with experimental results than do the predictions for [mmim][CH₃SO₄].Complete miscibility has been observed in the systems of [mmim][CH₃SO₄] with water and with alcohols ranging from methanol to octan-1-ol and that of [bmim][CH₃SO₄] with water and with alcohols ranging from methanol to decan-1-ol at the temperature T = 310 K.     

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.     

(Liquid + liquid) extraction of methanol from alkanes using dialkylphosphate-based ionic liquids as solvents

In this work, the feasibility of ionic liquids (ILs), 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([MMIM][DMP]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([EMIM][DEP]), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dibutylphosphate ([BMIM][DBP]), as solvents for the extraction of methanol from its mixtures with hexane and heptane was analyzed. The knowledge of (liquid + liquid) equilibria (LLE) of these mixtures is necessary for the design of the extraction separation process. Hence, the LLE data for the ternary systems, {methanol + hexane + ([MMIM][DMP], or [EMIM][DEP], or [BMIM][DBP])}, and {methanol + heptane + ([MMIM][DMP], or [EMIM][DEP], or [BMIM][DBP])}, were measured at T = 298.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The experimental results were correlated with the thermodynamic nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) model. The solute distribution ratios of methanol and methanol/alkane selectivities, derived from the experimental LLE data, were calculated and analyzed to evaluate the capability of the studied ILs to accomplish the separation target. Meanwhile, these capabilities were also compared with that of other ILs obtained from the literature.     

Separation of benzene from alkanes by solvent extraction with 1-ethylpyridinium ethylsulfate ionic liquid

The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for ternary mixtures {alkane + benzene + 1-ethylpyridinium ethylsulfate ([EPy][EtSO₄])} at T = (283.15 and 298.15) K and atmospheric pressure are presented. The alkanes used were hexane and heptane. The cloud point method was used to determinate the binodal curve, and the tie-line compositions were obtained by density measurements. The LLE data obtained were used to calculate distribution coefficients and selectivity values. The consistency of tie-line data was ascertained by applying the Othmer-Tobias and Hand equations. Correlation of the experimental tie-lines was conducted through the use of NRTL equation, which provides good correlation of the experimental data.The results show that [EPy][EtSO₄] can be used as an alternative solvent in liquid extraction processes for the removal of benzene from its mixtures with alkanes.     

Separation of benzene from alkanes using 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulfate ionic liquid at several temperatures and atmospheric pressure: Effect of the size of the aliphatic hydrocarbons

The ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulfate, [EMpy][ESO₄], was studied for the separation of benzene from aliphatic hydrocarbons (octane or nonane) by solvent extraction through the determination of the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) of the ternary systems: {octane (1) + benzene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)} and {nonane (1) + benzene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)} at T = (283.15 and 298.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Binodal curves were determined using the “cloud point” method, and tie-line compositions were obtained by density measurements. The values of selectivity and distribution coefficient, derived from the tie-line data, were used to decide if this ionic liquid can be used as potential solvent for the separation of benzene from aliphatic hydrocarbons using liquid extraction. These results were analyzed and compared to those previously reported for the systems {hexane + benzene + [EMpy][ESO₄]} and {heptane + benzene + [EMpy][ESO₄]}. The experimental results show that this ionic liquid is suitable for the extraction of benzene from mixtures containing octane and nonane. The consistency of tie-line data was ascertained by applying the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations. The experimental results for the ternary systems were well correlated with the NRTL model. No literature data were found for the mixtures discussed in this paper.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium for the ternary systems {heptane + toluene + 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide} and {heptane + toluene + 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide} ionic liquids

The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for two systems containing heptane, toluene, and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([mpim][Tf₂N]) or 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([amim][Tf₂N]) ionic liquids (ILs) were determined at T = 313.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The effect of a double bond in an alkyl side chain in the imidazolium cation was evaluated in terms of selectivity and extractive capacity. The results show a decrease of the amount of toluene and heptane dissolved in the IL with the allyl group. Thus, the distribution ratios of toluene and heptane of [mpim][Tf₂N] IL are higher than those of [amim][Tf₂N] IL. On the other hand, the separation factor of the [amim][Tf₂N] IL increases comparing to [mpim][Tf₂N] IL. The NRTL model was used to correlate satisfactorily the experimental LLE data for the two studied ternary systems.     

Densities and viscosities for ionic liquids mixtures containing [eOHmim][BF4], [bmim][BF4] and [bpy][BF4]

Densities and viscosities of binary ionic liquids mixtures, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([eOHmim][BF₄]) + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF₄]), 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([eOHmim][BF₄]) + N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([bpy][BF₄]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF₄]) + N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([bpy][BF₄]) were measured over the entire mole fraction from T = (298.15 to 343.15) K. The excess molar volumes were calculated and correlated by Redlich–Kiser polynomial expansions. The viscosities for pure ionic liquids were analyzed by means of the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher equation and ideal mixing rules were applied for the ILs mixtures.     

Study on the phase behaviour and thermodynamic properties of ionic liquids containing imidazolium cation with ethanol at several temperatures

Experimental densities, speeds of sound and refractive indices of the binary mixtures of ethanol with MMIM MeSO₄ (1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate), BMIM MeSO₄ (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methyl sulfate), BMIM PF₆ (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), HMIM PF₆ (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) and OMIM PF₆ (1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) were determined from T = (293.15 to 303.15) K. Excess molar volumes, changes of refractive index on mixing and deviations in isentropic compressibility for the above systems were calculated. The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data of (IL + ethanol) were carried out experimentally and the NRTL and UNIQUAC correlative equation was applied to these mixtures.     

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.     

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.