Liquid extraction of thiophene from n-paraffins (C 8 , C 10 or C 12 ) using two ionic solvents [mebupy][BF 4 ] or [emim][CH 3 SO 4 ]

Abstract Desulfurization of gasoline and diesel models is investigated through liquid-liquid extraction of thiophene (C4H4S) from n-paraffin compounds. Ionic solvents of 4-methyl-N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate [mebupy][BF4] or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate [emim][CH3SO4] as selective solvents, have been evaluated at 313.15 K and atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa. Experimental liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the six ternary systems of n-octane, n-decane or n-dodecane + thiophene + [mebupy][BF4] or [emim][CH3SO4], were used to calculate the values of the thiophene distribution ratio, selectivity and efficiency of ionic solvents. The experimental data were correlated using the UNIQUAC equations, and the binary interaction parameters have been reported. The phase diagrams for the ternary mixtures including both the experimental and calculated tie-lines have been presented.