Microwave-assisted extraction of Xianfeng lignite in 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride

► [Bmim]Cl has high performance on the extraction of lignite. ► Effect of temperature and ratio of lignite/[Bmim]Cl on the lignite extract yield. ► [Bmim]Cl breaks hydrogen bonds in lignite and extracts the aromatics from lignite.