Ionic liquids as entrainers for terpenes fractionation and other relevant separation problems

This work discusses the potential of two phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs), [P6,6,6,14]Cl and [P6,6,6,14][(C8H17)2PO2], and one methylimidazolium-based IL, [C4mim][OAc], as entrainers in the fractionation of terpene mixtures, in the desulfurization and denitrification of fuel oils, and in the separation of aromatics from aliphatic hydrocarbons. To this aim, the activity coefficients at infinite dilution of 45 solutes were obtained by gas-chromatography in the temperature range (333.15–458.15) K. Selectivities and capacities were calculated showing that [P6,6,6,14]Cl is adequate for the fractionation of (−)-menthone/L-(−)-menthol mixture, being also a suitable option for the deterpenation of citrus essential oil, and the removal of thiophene and pyridine from aliphatic hydrocarbons. To complement the experimental measurements COSMO-RS model was tested, demonstrating good potential to screen separation agents and give insights for several important separation problems, including the removal of contaminants from fuels and the isolation, fractionation and purification of terpenes mixtures. •Activity coefficients at infinite dilution were measured using gas chromatography.•45 solvents in [C4mim][OAc], [P6,6,6,14]Cl or [P6,6,6,14][(C8H17)2PO2].•Selectivities and capacities were calculated for relevant separation problems.•The fractionation of EOs and the removal of contaminates from fuels were assessed.•COSMO-RS is suitable for screening potential entrainers for the separation problems.