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.

► [BMim][MSO4] was studied as solvent to extract toluene from cyclic hydrocarbons.
► (Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data were measured at 298.15K and atmospheric pressure.
► Selectivity and solute distribution ratio were obtained and compared with literature.
► Experimental data were satisfactorily correlated using NRTL and UNIQUAC models.
► [BMim][MSO4] can be used as solvent for the studied (liquid + liquid) extraction.