Phase Behavior of Aqueous Biphasic Systems Composed of Ionic Liquids and Organic Salts

This study evaluated the effects of ionic liquids (ILs) on the formation of aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) with organic salts. Phase diagrams, tie lines, and respective tie line lengths were determined at 298 K and atmospheric pressure. Using imidazolium-based ILs, the effects of the IL anions and salt anions, as well as the addition of dipolar aprotic solvents (DAS) on ABS formation were investigated. In general, the IL with hydrogen bond basicity ranging between 0.38 and 0.60 formed ABS with organic salts. However, those below this range were insoluble, and those above this range did not undergo phase separation. The salt anion capacity to induce ABS increased with increased valence and decreased Gibbs free energy of hydration. Moreover, the biphasic area for the IL-based ABS reduced with increased DAS concentration.