Separation of thiophene from heptane with ionic liquids

► The ternary (liquid + liquid) equilibria in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium-based ILs was measured. ► High selectivity and distribution ratio for the extraction of thiophene was found. ► [BMPYR][TCM] was proposed as entrainer for the separation process. ► Extraction of sulphur-compounds from alkanes was proposed.