Focus on Fuel Quality: Removal of Sulfur-, Nitrogen-, and Oxygen-Containing Aromatic Compounds by Extraction from Hydrocarbons into the Regenerable Ionic Liquid

Extraction of S-, N-, and O-containing aromatic compounds from hydrocarbons modeling fuels was studied using an ionic liquid {1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([BMIM][NTf 2 ])} doped with metal complexes (Ag, Cu, Co, and V). The silver additives were shown to be most efficient. Water was found to be an inert agent that did not deteriorate the efficiency of the extraction. This approach was considered as a method of removal of sulfur and nitrogen compounds present in oil products (gasoline and diesel fuels).