(396g) Imparting Ionic Liquid Character to Commodity Chemicals | AIChE

(396g) Imparting Ionic Liquid Character to Commodity Chemicals

Authors 

Bara, J. E. - Presenter, University of Alabama
Whitley, J. W., University of Alabama
Wallace, D. A., University of Alabama
Roveda, J. D., University of Alabama
Shannon, M. S., University of Alabama

We have observed that certain bulky salts that are commonly used to synthesize ionic liquids are also highly soluble in a number of polar organic solvents.  Thus, ionic liquid character can be easily imparted to commodity chemicals in a straightforward manner.  Such mixtures provide a tunable alternative reaction media/solvent, and we have observed that this approach can have significant influence on the properties and yield of the desired product.  Furthemore, a mixing approach can streamline/simplify the production of ionic liquids themselves and eliminate separation/purification steps.  In this presentation, we will detail thermophysical properties of these polar organic + salt mixtures and discuss the improvements they provide with respect to chemical reactions and separations.