Capacity of ionic liquids [EMim][NTf2] and [EMpy][NTf2] for extraction of toluene from mixtures with alkanes: Comparative study of the effect of the cation

The ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [EMim][NTf2] and 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [EMpy][NTf2] have been studied as solvents for the extraction of toluene from mixtures with alkanes (heptane or cyclohexane). The liquid–liquid equilibria of ternary systems {heptane or cyclohexane + toluene + [EMim][NTf2] or [EMpy][NTf2]} and {heptane + cyclohexane + [EMim][NTf2] or [EMpy][NTf2]} at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure were determined. The solute distribution ratio and selectivity derived from the tie-lines were used to determine if these ionic liquids can be used as extraction solvents. The tie-lines were satisfactorily correlated by means of the thermodynamic NRTL model for ternary systems with [EMpy][NTf2] and with NRTL and UNIQUAC models for the ternary systems with [EMim][NTf2].

► EMimNTf2 and EMpyNTf2 were studied as solvents to extract toluene from alkanes.
► Liquid–liquid equilibrium data were measured at 298.15 K for 6 ternary systems.
► Selectivity and solute distribution ratio were calculated and compared.
► The influence of the structure of the cation of the ionic liquid was analyzed.
► Experimental data were satisfactorily correlated using NRTL model.