Liquid–liquid equilibria of mixtures with ethyl lactate and various hydrocarbons

Mutual miscibility in mixtures containing ethyl lactate and various hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, cyclohexane, alkyl cyclohexanes and terpenes) were explored in a range of temperatures from (273.2 to 320.9) K and at atmospheric pressure. Thus, the respective temperature–composition phase diagrams were constructed. The influence of temperature, aliphatic chain length and of double bond presence on liquid phase behavior was discussed. The obtained liquid–liquid solubility data were represented using the UNIQUAC-based model which showed to be an appropriate tool for representing the liquid–liquid behavior of (hydrocarbon + ethyl lactate) mixtures.

► Ethyl lactate is completely soluble with 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, cyclohexane, benzene and toluene.
► Critical point of (alkane + ethyl lactate) increased approximately 7 K per one carbon atom.
► Presence of π-bond significantly increases mutual solubility.