Enhancement of BTX Extraction From Real Heavy Naphtha Using [Bmim][Tos] Ionic Liquid Solvent: A Comparative Experimental Study With Furfural

ABSTRACT Benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) are aromatic hydrocarbons found in heavy naphtha that must be removed to improve heat efficiency and prevent fouling of the cracker in petrochemical plants. This paper investigates the extraction capabilities of an ionic liquid, such as 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Tosylate ([Bmim][Tos]), as a potential renewable solvent to replace traditional solvents like furfural. The effects of key operating parameters on BTX extraction—including solvent‐to‐feed ratios (0.5 to 1.5), mixing speeds (200 to 1000 rpm), and mixing times (1 to 3 h)—were assessed using a Box‐Behnken response surface methodology to determine their overall influence on Removal Efficiency and the Distribution Coefficient during extraction from heavy naphtha. Experimental results showed that [Bmim][Tos] outperformed furfural across all conditions. Under optimal conditions (S/F = 1.5, 1000 rpm, 2 h), [Bmim][Tos] achieved maximum removal efficiencies of 67.05% benzene, 55.66% toluene, and 42.72% xylene, with an overall BTX Removal Efficiency of 55.14%. The distribution coefficients were 2.03 (benzene), 1.26 (toluene), and 0.75 (xylene), resulting in a total BTX Distribution Coefficient of 1.34. In comparison, furfural removed 65.50% benzene, 59.21% toluene, and 39.23% xylene, with a total BTX removal of 51.84% and a Distribution Coefficient of 1.16. The selectivity followed the order benzene > toluene > xylene, influenced by π‐π interactions and steric effects. Although the effects of mixing speed and time were moderate, the solvent‐to‐feed ratio was identified as the most significant parameter. These findings suggest that [Bmim][Tos] is a safer and more sustainable alternative to furfural for aromatic extraction, owing to its higher selectivity, lower volatility, and recyclability, making it a promising option for environmentally friendly industrial separation processes.