Liquid–liquid equilibria for ternary mixtures of methyl tert-amyl ether + methanol (or ethanol) + imidazolium-based ionic liquids at 298.15 K

Liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) were determined for ternary systems {methyl tert-amyl ether (TAME) + methanol + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4])}, {TAME + ethanol + [Bmim][BF4]}, {TAME + methanol + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate (EMISE)} and {TAME + ethanol + EMISE} at 298.15 K. Experiments were carried out at atmospheric pressure using stirred and thermo-regulated cells. The experimental data were correlated with the well-known non random two liquid (NRTL) and universal quasi chemical (UNIQUAC) activity coefficient models. In addition, the distribution coefficients and the selectivities of the ionic liquids of [Bmim][BF4] and EMISE for methanol and ethanol in the TAME phase were measured.

► Methyl tert-amyl ether (TAME) is considered as a benign gasoline additive. ► LLE data for the systems {TAME + methanol (or ethanol) + imidazolium-based ionic liquids}. ► NRTL and UNIQUAC models were used for the description of the determined LLE data. ► All ternary systems were classified as Treybal's type I systems. ► The distribution coefficients and the selectivities of the ionic liquids for methanol and ethanol in the TAME phase were measured.