Novel Gemini ionic liquid for oxidative desulfurization of gas oil

Abstract

The N1,N1,N3,N3-tetramethyl –N1,N3-diphenylpropane-1,3-diaminium dichloride ionic liquid (ILc) is an environmentally friendly catalyst for oxidative–extractive desulfurization of gas oil (sulfur content = 2400 ppm) in the presence of H2O2 as an oxidizing agent. The precise structure of the prepared IL was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy, and1H-NMR. The reaction temperature, IL ratios, H2O2 dosage, and reaction time were studied to assess their effects on the desulfurization efficiency. The thermodynamic parameters of the oxidation reaction were determined. A desulfurization efficiency of 84.7% was obtained after the extractive desulfurization process using acetonitrile as an organic solvent at a solvent to feed ratio of 1:1 (v/v). Furthermore, the prepared IL may be reused for at least six cycles without any significant change in its desulfurization performance or chemical structure, which confirms its high reusability.