HMImPF6 ionic liquid that separates the azeotropic mixture ethanol + heptane

Abstract

1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (HMImPF6) is suitable for use as the solvent in the petrochemical extraction process for the removal of heptane from its azeotropic mixture with ethanol. The experimental determination of the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) for the ternary system heptane + ethanol + HMImPF6 at 298.15 K was carried out. The solute distribution ratio and the selectivity of the HMImPF6 have been determined from the tie-line data. A comparative study has been made in terms of selectivity and solute distribution data with other ionic liquids. The NRTL equation was verified to accurately correlate the experimental data.