Efficient continuous production of ionic liquids in a loop reactor – Experimental and theoretical studies for the example of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulphate

An adiabatic tubular loop reactor with product recycle was used for the continuous synthesis of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulphate. Experiments and simulations show that this concept is a smart and efficient way of IL production. The loop reactor concept is not limited to IL syntheses and is applicable in general to any fast exothermic liquid phase reaction with the danger of a temperature runaway and/or with a temperature limit evoked by reactant/product decomposition or discoloration.

► We present experiments and simulations of a continuous Ionic Liquid synthesis. ► An adiabatic tubular loop reactor with product recycle was used. ► The synthesis of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulphate was used as example. ► Results show the adv. of the loop reactor concept (not limited to IL syntheses). ► The reactor concept is inherent safe (no danger of a temperature runaway).