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.     

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.     

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.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria for ternary mixtures of (alkane + benzene + [EMpy] [ESO4]) at several temperatures and atmospheric pressure

In this work, the separation of benzene from aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, or heptane) is investigated by extraction with 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulphate ionic liquid, [EMpy][ESO₄]. (Liquid + liquid) equilibria (LLE) data are determined for the ternary systems: {hexane (1) + benzene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)} at T = (283.15, 293.15, 298.15, and 303.15) K and {heptane (1) + benzene (2) + [EMpy][ESO₄] (3)} at T = (283.15 and 298.15) K and atmospheric pressure. The selectivity and distribution coefficient, derived from the tie line data, were used to determine whether the ionic liquid is a good solvent for the extraction of aromatic from aliphatic compounds. The consistency of the 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 equation. A study of the temperature effect and the influence of the chain length of the alkanes were realized. The results obtained were compared with other ionic liquids. There are no literature data 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.     

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 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.     

Application of [EMim][ESO4] ionic liquid as solvent in the extraction of toluene from cycloalkanes: Study of liquid-liquid equilibria at T = 298.15 K

In this paper, the separation of toluene from cycloalkanes by liquid extraction using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate, [EMim][ESO₄], as solvent was studied. Liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for ternary systems {cyclohexane, or cyclooctane, or methylcyclohexane + toluene + [EMim][ESO₄]} were determined at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Selectivity and solute distribution ratio, derived from the tie-lines, were used to determine the ability of this ionic liquid as solvent for the separation of toluene from its mixtures with cycloalkanes. The degree of consistency of the tie-lines was tested using the Othmer-Tobias equation, and the experimental LLE data were correlated using the non-random two-liquid (NRTL) and the UNIversal QUAsi-Chemical (UNIQUAC) models.     

Quaternary isobaric (vapor + liquid + liquid) equilibrium and (vapor + liquid) equilibrium for the system (water + ethanol + cyclohexane + heptane) at 101.3 kPa

Experimental isobaric (vapor + liquid + liquid) and (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data for the ternary system {water (1) + cyclohexane (2) + heptane (3)} and the quaternary system {water (1) + ethanol (2) + cyclohexane (3) + heptane (4)} were measured at 101.3 kPa. An all-glass, dynamic recirculating still equipped with an ultrasonic homogenizer was used to determine the VLLE. The results obtained show that the system does not present quaternary azeotropes. The point-by-point method by Wisniak for testing the thermodynamic consistency of isobaric measurements was used to test the equilibrium data.     

(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 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.     

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.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria for the ternary mixtures (alkane + toluene + ionic liquid) at T = 298.15 K: Influence of the anion on the phase equilibria

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for the ionic liquids 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [BMpyr][NTf₂], and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, [BMpyr][TFO], with toluene, and heptane or cyclohexane were determined at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. In order to check if these ILs can be used as potential solvents for the extraction of toluene from aliphatic compounds, the ability of the ILs as solvents was evaluated in terms of selectivity and solute distribution ratio. The experimental data were correlated accurately with the Non Random Two-Liquid model.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria for (water + 1-propanol + diisopropyl ether + octane,or methylbenzene,or heptane) systems at T = 298.15 K

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria (LLE) data were presented for one ternary system of {water + octane + diisopropyl ether (DIPE)} and three quaternary systems of (water + 1-propanol + DIPE + octane, or methylbenzene, or heptane) at T = 298.15 K and p = 100 kPa. The experimental LLE data were correlated with the modified and extended UNIQUAC models. Distribution coefficients were derived from the experimental LLE data to evaluate the solubility behavior of components in organic and aqueous phases.     

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.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria in ternary aqueous mixtures of phosphoric acid with organic solvents at T = 298.2 K

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary mixtures of {water (1) + phosphoric acid (2) + organic solvents (3)} were determined at T = 298.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The organic solvents were cyclohexane, 2-methyl-2-butanol (tert-amyl alcohol), and isobutyl acetate. All the investigated systems exhibit Type-1 behaviour of LLE. The immiscibility region was found to be larger for the (water + phosphoric acid + cyclohexane) ternary system. The experimental LLE results were correlated with the NRTL model, and the binary interaction parameters were obtained. The reliability of the experimental tie-line results was tested through the Othmer–Tobias and Bachman correlation equations. Distribution coefficients and separation factors were evaluated over the immiscibility regions and a comparison of the extracting capabilities of the solvents was made with respect to these factors. The experimental results indicate the superiority of cyclohexane as the preferred solvent for the extraction of phosphoric acid from its aqueous solutions.     

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.     

(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.     

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.