Extraction of phenols from coal tar oil using binary solvents and ionic liquid mixture

The extraction of phenols from coal tar oils using acetonitrile solutions of ionic liquids (ILs) through a new extraction method is studied. The IL containing acetonitrile solution formed a clear immiscible layer with hexane containing coal tar oil, which facilitated superior extractions of phenol and p-cresol with high distribution coefficient values. The IL with lower carbon chain length (three carbons) showed extraction efficiency greater than 96% for phenol and p-cresol extractions from coal tar oil. The process models for extraction of phenol and p-cresol from coal tar oil were studied to comprehend the interactions of various factors. [Received: December 23, 2017; Accepted: March 7, 2018]