Evaluation of the polysubstituted pyridinium ionic liquid [hmmpy][Ntf2] as a suitable solvent for desulfurization: Phase equilibria

Suitability of a pyridinium ionic liquid as a solvent in desulfurization has been analyzed. (Liquid + liquid) equilibria for ternary systems composed by 1-hexyl-3,5-dimethyl pyridinium {bis[trifluoromethylsulfonyl]imide, thiophene, and three hydrocarbons representative of fuel (n-heptane, 2,2,4 trimethylpentane, and toluene) have been determined at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. High solubility of thiophene in the ionic liquid and also of toluene have been found, being this solvent practically immiscible with 2,2,4 trimethylpentane and heptane. Equilibrium data of these systems have been well correlated with UNIQUAC equations finding the highest deviations for the ternary system involving toluene. NRTL model drove to worse results being considered as not suitable model to correlate the experimental results.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria of [C8mim][NTf2] ionic liquid with a sulfur-component and hydrocarbons

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for {1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis[trifluoromethylsulfonyl]imide + thiophene + n-dodecane} and {1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis[trifluoromethylsulfonyl]imide + thiophene + cyclohexane} ternary systems have been determined experimentally at 298.15 K. The compositions of the tie-lines ends have been obtained by gas chromatographic analysis of phases at equilibrium, being distribution coefficients and separation factors calculated from them. The experimental results have been correlated by means of the NRTL model but considerable deviations from experimental data were found.     

Phase equilibria study of the (N-octylisoquinolinium thiocyanate ionic liquid + aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon,or thiophene) binary systems

Binary liquid + liquid phase equilibria for 8 systems containing N-octylisoquinolinium thiocyanate, [C₈iQuin][SCN] and aliphatic hydrocarbon (n-hexane, n-heptane), cyclohexane, aromatic hydrocarbon (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene) and thiophene have been determined using dynamic method. The experiment was carried out from room temperature to the boiling-point of the solvent at atmospheric pressure. For the tested binary systems the mutual immiscibility with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) for {IL + aliphatic hydrocarbon, or thiophene} were observed. The immiscibility gap with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) for the {IL + aromatic hydrocarbon} were determined. The parameters of the LLE correlation equation for the tested binary systems have been derived using NRTL equation. The phase equilibria diagrams presented in this paper are compared with literature data for the corresponding ionic liquids with N-alkylisoquinolinium, or N-alkylquinolinium cation and with thiocyanate – based ionic liquids. The influence of the ionic liquid structure on mutual solubility with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and thiophene is discussed.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria of binary systems containing hyperbranched polymer Boltorn® H2004 – Experimental study and modelling in terms of lattice-cluster theory

(Liquid + liquid) phase equilibria (LLE) of binary mixtures containing hyperbranched polymer Boltorn® H2004 and n-alkanes (n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, and n-decane) were studied over the temperature range from about (260 up to 360) K. The polymer is partially miscible with n-alkanes and the solubility decreases with an increase of the chain length of the solvent. Corresponding LLE phase diagrams including spinodal and binodal (liquid + liquid) coexistence curves were calculated in terms of the statistical mechanics – based on the lattice-cluster theory, based only on the upper critical solution temperature, and the polymer chain architecture. The results show semi-qualitative agreement of predicted and experimental equilibrium compositions and temperatures. Boltorn® H2004 reveals complete miscibility in the liquid phase with alcohols (C₁–C₈), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, and thiophene), and ethers (methyl tetra-butyl ether, ethyl tetra-butyl ether, and tetrahydrofurane).     

Ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibria of {trifluorotris(perfluoroethyl)phosphate based ionic liquids + thiophene + heptane}

Ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibria for three systems containing ionic liquids {(4-(2-methoxyethyl)-4-methylmorpholinium trifluorotris(perfluoroethyl)phosphate, 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-methylpiperidinium trifluorotris(perfluoroethyl)phosphate, 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluorotris(perfluoroethyl)phosphate) + thiophene + heptane} have been determined at T = 298.15 K. All systems showed high solubility of thiophene in the ionic liquid and low solubility of heptane. The solute distribution coefficient and the selectivity were calculated for all systems. High values of selectivity were obtained. The experimental results have been correlated using NRTL model. The influence of ionic liquid structure on phase equilibria is discussed.     

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.     

Extraction of pentylbenzene from high molar mass alkanes (C14 and C17) by N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone

Equilibrium tie line data have been determined for the two ternary liquid systems: {tetradecane, or heptadecane + pentylbenzene +  N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)} over a temperature range of (298 to 328) K. The two systems studied exhibit type I liquid + liquid phase diagram. The effect of temperature and n-alkane chain length upon solubility, selectivity, and distribution coefficients were investigated experimentally.     

Heat capacities of the mixtures of ionic liquids with acetonitrile

Isobaric specific heat capacities were measured for {1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (HMIMBF₄) + acetonitrile (MeCN)} and {1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (OMIMBF₄) + acetonitrile} within the whole range of composition and temperatures from (283.15 to 323.15) K. The excess molar heat capacities were calculated from the experimental results and satisfactorily fitted to Redlich–Kister type polynomials for several selected temperatures. Negative deviations from the additivity of molar heat capacities were observed within the whole composition range of (HMIBMF₄ + MeCN) and (OMIMBF₄ + MeCN). The results obtained have been interpreted in terms of interactions between ionic liquids and acetonitrile.     

Phase diagrams of binary systems containing n-alkanes,or cyclohexane,or 1-alkanols and 2,3-pentanedione at atmospheric and high pressure

Phase equilibria, for the binary systems {n-alkanes (tridecane, octadecane, or eicosane), or cyclohexane, or 1-alkanol (1-hexadecanol, or 1-octadecanol, or 1-eicosanol) + 2,3-pentanedione} have been determined using a cryometric dynamic method at atmospheric pressure. The influence of pressure on liquidus curve up to 800 MPa was determined for (tridecane, or cyclohexane + 2,3-pentanedione) systems. A thermostated apparatus for the measurements of transition pressures from the liquid to the solid state in two component isothermal solutions (pressometry) was used. The freezing and melting temperatures at a constant composition increase monotonously with pressure. The high-pressure experimental results obtained at isothermal conditions (p–x) were interpolated to well known T–x diagrams.Immiscibility in the liquid phase was observed only for the n-alkanes mixtures. The solubility decreases with an increase of the number of carbon atoms in the n-alkane, or 1-alkanol chain. The higher intermolecular solute–solvent interaction was observed for the 1-alkanols.Experimental solubility results are compared with values calculated by means of the NRTL equation (n-alkanes) and the NRTL and UNIQUAC ASM equations utilizing parameters derived from SLE and LLE results. The existence of a solid–solid first-order phase transition in tridecane, eicosane and 1-alkanols has been taken into consideration in the calculations. The correlation of the solubility data has been obtained with the average root-mean-square deviation of temperature σ < 1.0 K with both equations. The pressure–temperature–composition relation of the high-pressure (solid + liquid) phase equilibria, was satisfactorily presented by the polynomial.     

Phase equilibria study of the binary systems (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tosylate ionic liquid + water,or organic solvent)

(Solid + liquid) phase equilibria (SLE) and (liquid + liquid) phase equilibria (LLE) for the binary systems: ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolim tosylate (p-toluenesulfonate) {[BMIM][TOS] + water, an alcohol (ethanol, or 1-butanol, or 1-hexanol, or 1-octanol, or 1-decanol), or n-hexane, or an aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, or toluene, or ethylbenzene, or propylbenzene, or thiophene)} have been determined at ambient pressure. A dynamic method was used over a broad range of mole fractions and temperatures from (230 to 340) K. For the binary systems containing water, or an alcohol, simple eutectic diagrams were observed with complete miscibility in the liquid phase. As usual, with increasing chain length of the alcohol the solubility decreases. In the case of mixtures {IL + n-hexane, or benzene, or alkylbenzene, or thiophene} the eutectic systems with mutual immiscibility in the liquid phase with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) were detected. The basic thermal properties of the pure IL, i.e. melting and glass-transition temperatures, as well as the enthalpy of fusion have been measured using a differential scanning microcalorimetry technique (DSC). Density at high temperatures was determined and extrapolated to 298.15 K. Well-known UNIQUAC, Wilson and NRTL equations have been used to correlate experimental SLE data sets for alcohols and water. For the systems containing immiscibility gaps {IL + n-hexane, or benzene, or alkylbenzene, or thiophene}, parameters of the LLE correlation equation have been derived using only the NRTL equation.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for the separation of 2,3-butanediol from aqueous streams using tetraoctyl ammonium 2-methyl-1-naphthoate

Microbiological production of 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) through fermentation using renewable feedstock is a promising option for the production of bio based chemicals. Liquid–liquid extraction could be a more efficient process, if a proper solvent is used. Tetraoctyl ammonium 2-methyl-1-naphthoate [TOA MNaph] is a tailor made hydrophobic ionic liquid that may be applied for the recovery of 2,3-BD from aqueous streams. In this work, the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for {2,3-BD + water + [TOA MNaph]} at (313.2, 333.2, and 353.2) K have been obtained and correlated to the NRTL and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models. Root square mean deviations (RMSD) values of 1.54% (NRTL) and 1.88% (UNIQUAC) were obtained, showing that both models can properly describe the experimental data. Compared to conventional solvents [TOA MNaph] presents a good balance between distribution coefficient (D_2,3BD = 1.08) and selectivity (S = 11.47).     

Heat capacities of the mixtures of ionic liquids with methanol at temperatures from 283.15 K to 323.15 K

The molar isobaric heat capacities of (methanol + 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) and (methanol + 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) mixtures have been determined over the temperature range from 283.15 K to 323.15 K within the whole composition range. The excess molar heat capacities of investigated mixtures have been fitted to the Redlich–Kister equation at several selected temperatures. Positive deviations from the additivity of molar heat capacities have been observed in both examined systems. The results obtained have been discussed in terms of molecular interactions in binary mixtures.     

Liquid–liquid equilibria for n-alkanes (C12, C14, C17) + propylbenzene + NMP mixtures at temperatures between 298 and 328 K

Liquid–liquid equilibria for three ternary systems: dodecane, or tetradecane, or heptadecane + propylbenzene + NMP was studied over a temperature range of 298–328 K. The three systems studied exhibit type I liquid–liquid phase diagram. The effect of temperaure and n-alkane chain length upon solubility, selectivity, and distribution coefficient were investigated experimentally. 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. Both models satisfactorily correlate the experimental data, however the UNIQUAC fit was slightly better than that obtained with the NRTL model. The values of distribution coefficient and selectivity were predicated from the equilibrium data.     

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution of organic solutes in the ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate using gas–liquid chromatography at T = (313.15, 323.15, and 333.15) K

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution were determined for 24 solutes: n-alkanes, alk-1-enes, alk-1-ynes, cycloalkanes, alkylbenzenes and alcohols in the ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [OMIM][PF₆], by gas–liquid chromatography at three different temperatures T = (313.15, 323.15, and 333.15) K. The partial molar excess enthalpy values at infinite dilution were calculated from the experimental data over the same temperature range. Capacities and selectivities at infinite dilution for the systems hexane/benzene and methanol/benzene were determined from the experimental data and compared to the literature values for other ionic liquids, as well as for industrial molecular solvents. The influence of the cation and anion of the ionic liquid on the activity coefficient is discussed, as well as the usefulness of [OMIM][PF₆] in separating organic liquids.     

(Solid + liquid) equilibria predictions of ionic liquid containing systems using COSMO-RS

(Solid + liquid) equilibria (SLE) prediction are an important phase equilibria property for ionic liquid (IL) mixtures especially when the IL exists as a solid. In this work, the SLE for the binary systems of (IL + thiophene) consisting of the ILs: n-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tosylate [BM₄Py][TOS], n-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tosylate [BM₃Py][TOS], n-hexyl-3-methylpyridinium tosylate [HM₃Py][TOS], and 1,4-dimethylpyridinium tosylate [M_1,4Py][TOS] are predicted using the quantum chemical based COSMO-RS (COnductor like Screening MOdel for Real Solvents) model. Initially, benchmarking studies are performed on binary mixtures which are known beforehand. The values of the predicted solubility are then compared with the experimental results by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE). The SLE predictions of the solubility of pyrene and dibenzothiophene in five different solvents were carried out giving an average RMSE of 4%. Further the applicability of COSMO-RS to binary systems consisting of (ionic liquid + alcohol) mixtures and (ionic liquid + hydrocarbons) are predicted. The ionic liquids concerned are n-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tosylate [BM₃Py][TOS] while the alcohols and hydrocarbons are 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 1-decanol, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene respectively. The experimental data for the ionic liquid [BM₄Py][TOS] with thiophene gave the smallest deviation of 10.2%. The overall RMSE for IL–thiophene, IL–alcohol, and IL–hydrocarbons were 15%, 17.2% and 12.9% respectively. Thus the predicted solubility values were found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental values.     

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.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria for ternary mixtures of (methanol or ethanol + toluene or m-xylene + n-dodecane)

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) results for the ternary mixtures of (methanol or ethanol + toluene or m-xylene + n-dodecane) at three temperatures (298.15, 303.15 and 313.15) K are reported. The compositions of liquid phases at equilibrium were determined by g.l.c. measurements and the results were correlated with the UNIQUAC and NRTL activity coefficient models. The partition coefficients and the selectivity factor of methanol and ethanol are calculated and compared to suggest which alcohol is more suitable for extracting the aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene or m-xylene) from n-dodecane. The phase diagrams for the ternary mixtures including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented. From the phase diagrams and the selectivity factors it is concluded that methanol has a higher efficiency as a solvent in extraction of aromatic hydrocarbon from alkane mixtures.     

Quaternary liquid–liquid equilibria for systems of {(water + methanol or ethanol) + m-xylene + n-dodecane}

Liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data were determined for the quaternary systems of {(water + methanol or ethanol) + m-xylene + n-dodecane} at three temperatures 298.15, 303.15 and 313.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The composition of liquid phases at equilibrium was determined by gas–liquid chromatography and the results were correlated with the UNIQUAC and NRTL activity coefficient models. The partition coefficients and the selectivity factor of the solvent are calculated and compared. The phase diagrams for the quaternary systems including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented.     

Ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibria for mixtures of (methanol + aniline + n-octane or n-dodecane) at T = 298.15 K

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary mixtures of (methanol + aniline + n-octane) and (methanol + aniline + n-dodecane) at T = 298.15 K and ambient pressure are reported. The compositions of liquid phases at equilibrium were determined and the results were correlated with the UNIQUAC and NRTL activity coefficient models. The partition coefficients and the selectivity factor of methanol for the extraction of aniline from the (aniline + n-octane or n-dodecane) mixtures are calculated and compared. Based on these comparisons, the efficiency of methanol for the extraction of aniline from (aniline + n-dodecane) mixtures is higher than that for the extraction of aniline from (aniline + n-octane) mixtures. The phase diagrams for the ternary mixtures including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented. From the phase diagrams and the selectivity factors, it is concluded that methanol may be used as a suitable solvent in extraction of aniline from (aniline + n-octane or n-dodecane) mixtures.     

Volumetric properties and enthalpies of solution of alcohols CkH2k+1OH (k = 1, 2, 6) in 1-methyl-3-alkylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide {[C1CnIm][NTf2] n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10} ionic liquids

We present a study on the effect of the alkyl chain length of the imidazolium ring in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids, [C₁C_nIm][NTf₂] (n = 2 to 10), on the mixing properties of (ionic liquid + alcohol) mixtures (enthalpy and volume). We have measured small excess molar volumes with highly asymmetric curves as a function of mole fraction composition (S-shape) with more negative values in the alcohol-rich regions. The excess molar volumes increase with the increase of the alkyl-chain length of the imidazolium cation of the ionic liquid. The values of the partial molar excess enthalpy and the enthalpy of mixing are positive and, for the case of methanol, do not vary monotonously with the length of the alkyl side-chain of the cation on the ionic liquid – increasing from n = 2 to 6 and then decreasing from n = 8. This non-monotonous variation is explained by a more favourable interaction of methanol with the cation head group of the ionic liquid for alkyl chains longer than eight carbon atoms. It is also observed that the mixing is less favourable for the smaller alcohols, the enthalpy of mixing decreasing to less positive values as the alkyl chain of the alcohol increases. Based on the data from this work and on the knowledge of the vapour pressure of {[C₁C_nIm][NTf₂] + alcohol} binary mixtures at T = 298 K reported in the literature, the excess Gibbs free energy, excess enthalpy and excess entropy could be then calculated and it was observed that these mixtures behave like the ones constituted by a non-associating and a non-polar component, with its solution behaviour being determined by the enthalpy.