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.     

Separation of toluene from alkanes using 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulfate ionic liquid at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure

In this paper, the separation of toluene from aliphatic hydrocarbons (heptane, or octane, or nonane) was analyzed by solvent extraction with 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulfate ionic liquid, [EMpy][ESO₄]. Liquid?liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary systems {heptane (1) + toluene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)}, {octane (1) + toluene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)}, and {nonane (1) + toluene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)} were obtained by measurements at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The selectivity, % removal of aromatic, and solute distribution ratio, obtained from experimental equilibrium results, were used to determine the ability of [EMpy][ESO₄] as a solvent. The degree of consistency of the experimental LLE values was ascertained using the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations. The experimental results for the ternary systems were correlated with the NRTL model. Finally, the results obtained were compared with other ionic liquids and other solvents.     

Micropolarity and aggregation behavior in ionic liquid + organic solvent solutions

UV–vis spectroscopy and conductivity measurement techniques were used to study the physicochemical and structural properties of the binary or ternary mixtures of 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF₆]) + organic solvent and 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF₄]) + organic solvent systems. The solvents involved were acetonitrile, water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran. It was indicated that the micropolarity and the aggregation behavior of the mixtures depend strongly on the dielectric constants of the solvents and the composition of the mixtures.     

Liquid extraction of polyhydric alcohols from water using [A336][SCN] as a solvent

This work demonstrated the possibility of hydrophobic ionic liquid tricaprylmethylammonium thiocyanate ([A336][SCN]) as a solvent in the separation by extraction of polyhydric alcohols from their mixtures with water. The knowledge of (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) of these mixtures is essential for the design of the extraction process. For this reason, the LLE data of the ternary systems {[A336][SCN] + water + glycerol, or ethylene glycol, or 1,2-propanediol, or 1,3-propanediol} were determined at T = 303.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The reliability of the tie-lines data was ascertained by applying the Othmer–Tobias equation, and the non-random two liquid (NRTL) model used to fit the experimental LLE data. The effectiveness of the extraction of polyhydric alcohols from water was evaluated using the solute distribution ratio and the selectivity. The extraction capability of [A336][SCN] was compared with that of other ILs. The results indicated that the [A336][SCN] was suitable for use as a solvent in (liquid + liquid) extraction of polyhydric alcohols from water.     

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.     

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.     

Effects of temperature and anion species on CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 separation coefficient through ionic liquid membranes

The permeability of carbon dioxide (CO₂) through imidazolium-based ionic liquid membranes was measured by a sweep gas method. Six species of ionic liquids were studied in this work as follows: [emim][BF₄], [bmim][BF₄], [bmim][PF₆], [bmim][Tf₂N], [bmim][OTf], and [bmim][dca]. The ionic liquids were supported with a polyvinylidene fluoride porous membrane. The measurements were performed at T = (303.15 to 343.15) K. The partial pressure difference between feed and permeate sides was 0.121 MPa. The permeability of the CO₂ increases with temperature for the all ionic liquid species. Base on solution diffusion theory, it can be explained that the diffusion coefficient of CO₂ in an ionic liquid affects the temperature dependence more strongly than the solubility coefficient. The greatest permeability was obtained with the [bmim][Tf₂N] membrane. The membrane of [bmim][PF₆] presents the lowest permeability.The separation coefficient between CO₂ and N₂ through the ionic liquid membranes was also investigated at the volume fraction of CO₂ at feed side 0.10. The separation coefficient decreases with the increase of temperature for the all ionic liquid species. The membrane of [emim][BF₄] and [bmim][BF₄] gives the highest separation coefficient at constant temperature. The lowest separation coefficient was obtained from [bmim][Tf₂N] membrane which presents the highest permeability of CO₂.     

Extraction of propylbenzene or butylbenzene from dodecane using 4-methyl-N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, [mebupy][BF4], as an ionic liquid at different temperatures

Equilibrium tie line data have been determined for the two ternary liquid systems, namely {dodecane + propylbenzene + [mebupy][BF₄]} and {dodecane + butylbenzene + [mebupy][BF₄]} at temperatures (313, 323, and 333) K and atmospheric pressure. The effects of temperature and solvent to feed ratio upon solubility, selectivity, and distribution coefficient were investigated experimentally. The reliability of the experimental data was tested using the Othmer–Tobias correlation. The experimental results were regressed to estimate the interaction parameters between each of the three pairs of components for the UNIQUAC and the NRTL models as a function of temperature. In addition, the LLE data were also correlated with the UNIQUAC and NRTL models in a satisfactory manner.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

(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.     

Binary and ternary LLE data of the system (ethylbenzene + styrene + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate) and binary VLE data of the system (styrene + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate)

The distillation of close boiling mixtures may be improved by adding a proper affinity solvent, and thereby creating an extractive distillation process. An example of a close boiling mixture that may be separated by extractive distillation is the mixture ethylbenzene/styrene. The ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([EMIM][SCN]) is a promising solvent to separate ethylbenzene and styrene by extractive distillation. In this study, (vapour + liquid) equilibrium data have been measured for the binary system (styrene + [EMIM][SCN]) over the pressure range of (3 to 20) kPa and binary and ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data of the system (ethylbenzene + styrene + [EMIM][SCN]) at temperatures (313.2, 333.2 and 353.2) K. Due to the low solubility of ethylbenzene in [EMIM][SCN], it was not possible to measure accurately VLE data of the binary system (ethylbenzene + [EMIM][SCN]) and of the ternary system (ethylbenzene + styrene + [EMIM][SCN]) using the ebulliometer. Because previous work showed that the LLE selectivity is a good measure for the selectivity in VLE, we determined the selectivity with LLE. The selectivity of [EMIM][SCN] to styrene in LLE measurements ranges from 2.1 at high styrene raffinate purity to 2.6 at high ethylbenzene raffinate purity. The NRTL model can properly describe the experimental results. The rRMSD in temperature, pressure and mole fraction for the binary VLE data are respectively (0.1, 0.12 and 0.13)%. The rRMSD is only 0.7% in mole fraction for the LLE data.     

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.     

Phosphoric-based ionic liquids as solvents to separate the azeotropic mixture of ethanol and hexane

Ethanol and hexane mixtures are present in industrial processes producing oxygenated additives for unleaded gasoline. The separation of ethanol and hexane is important but challenging due to the formation of an azeotropic mixture. This research focuses on the study of phosphoric-based ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents for the separation of ethanol from hexane in a liquid extraction process. The knowledge of the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) of this mixture is essential for the design of the extraction separation technique. Hence, the experimental determination of the LLE data for the ternary system {ethanol + hexane + 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([MMIM][DMP])}, {ethanol + hexane + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([EMIM][DEP])} and {ethanol + hexane + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dibutylphosphate ([BMIM][DBP])} at T = 303.2 K and atmospheric pressure was carried out. The reliability of the experimental LLE data was confirmed by applying the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations, and the NRTL model was used to correlate the experimental results for the studied ternary system. The solute distribution ratio and selectivity, derived from the experimental LLE data, were calculated and analyzed evaluate the capacity of the investigated ILs as solvents in liquid extraction process. This capacity was also compared with that of other ILs. The experimental results show that the studied ILs can be suitable solvents in a (liquid + liquid) extraction for the separation of azeotropic mixtures of ethanol and hexane.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria for mixtures of dodecane and ethanol with alkylsulfate-based ionic liquids

The ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for mixtures of dodecane (C₁₂H₂₆) and ethanol with ionic liquids 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methylsulfate [Mmim][MeSO₄], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate, [Emim][MeSO₄] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate, [Bmim][MeSO₄], were studied at T = 298.15 K and 0.101 MPa. The selectivity and solute distribution coefficient ratios determined from the data were used to examine the possibility of using these ionic liquids for extraction of ethanol from dodecane. The temperature dependency was investigated by measuring the LLE data for {dodecane + ethanol + [Mmim][MeSO₄]} at T = 313.15 K and 0.101 MPa. The Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations were used to test the consistency of the tie-line data. The tie-line data were correlated with the Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) equation which provided a good model and representation for the experimental results.     

Separation of toluene and heptane by liquid–liquid extraction using z-methyl-N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate isomers (z = 2, 3, or 4) at T = 313.2 K

The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for three ternary systems containing heptane, toluene, and a z-methyl-N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid ([zbmpy][BF₄] IL, where z = 2, 3, or 4) were determined at T = 313.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The effect of IL cation isomers on the LLE data was evaluated for the first time. The selectivity and extractive capacity from these LLE data were calculated and compared to those previously reported in the literature for the systems (heptane + toluene + [4bmpy][BF₄]) and (heptane + toluene + sulfolane). The results show that the LLE data for the systems comprising the ILs with the metha- and para-substituted cations do not differ significantly from isomer to isomer. On the other hand, significant differences were observed among the systems with the ortho-substituted cation and the other two cation isomers. The degree of consistency of the experimental LLE data was ascertained by applying the Othmer–Tobias correlation. In addition, the LLE data were satisfactorily correlated by means of the thermodynamic NRTL model.     

Density and viscosity of three (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) ionic liquid binary systems

Densities and viscosities were determined for binary mixtures of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF₄]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF₆]) or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([bmim][NTf₂]) over the entire range of composition. The experimental measurements were carried out at temperatures ranging from 278.15 K to 333.15 K, at atmospheric pressure. The densities and viscosities of the pure ionic liquids and their mixtures with TFE were described successfully by an empirical third-order polynomial and by the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation, respectively. In addition, excess molar volumes and viscosity deviations were determined from densities and viscosities of mixtures, respectively, and fitted by using the Redlich–Kister equation.     

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.     

Pd-catalyzed asymmetric alternating co-polymerization of propene with carbon monoxide using ionic liquids

A protocol for Pd-catalyzed stereoselective co-polymerization of propene and carbon monoxide using chiral ligands, such as (2S,3S)-DIOP and (R)-P-Phos in [C₄mim][PF₆]/[C₆mim][PF₆] as an ionic liquid medium was developed. With (2S,3S)-DIOP as chiral ligand and [C₄mim][PF₆] as medium, the Pd-catalyzed co-polymerization of propene and CO gave almost completely regioregular polyketones, and the product polymer showed moderate stereoregularity (61% of ℓ-diads). The highest molar optical rotation = +15.9 and polydispersity = 1.2 were attained when (R)-P-Phos was used as the ligand and [C₆mim]PF₆ as the solvent. The co-polymer exhibited regioregularity of H–H/H–T/T–T (%) = 17:66:17.