Separation of Alcohols from n-Tetradecane Using 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Hydrogensulfate

Extraction of alcohols from n-tetradecane using various extraction solvents has been investigated at a range of temperatures from 295 to 393 K under ambient pressure. On the basis of the experimental liquid–liquid equilibrium data, the distribution ratio and selectivity were calculated for the extraction of 1-octanol, 1-decanol, and 1-dodecanol (C8–C12) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogensulfate [C2mim][HSO4] and sulfolane. Results showed that moderate selectivities were obtained in sulfolane with very low distribution coefficients. In contrast, [C2mim][HSO4] showed similar selectivity values with higher distribution coefficients. A study of a number of different 1-alcohols (C4–C12) showed that the decrease in hydrogen bonding compared to the increased van der Waals interactions between n-tetradecane and the higher-chain alcohols decreased the extraction selectivity in [C2mim][HSO4]. Increasing the temperature of the ionic liquid extraction medium resulted in increased chemical extraction for 1-butanol and 1-hexanol due to the formation of the corresponding alkylsulfate ionic liquid. In contrast, the selectivity decreased for 1-octanol, 1-decanol and 1-dodecanol due to the partial dissolution of the corresponding alkylsulfate ionic liquid into the n-tetradecane phase.