Liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary systems (heptane + p-xylene + 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulfate) and (n-octane + p-xylene + 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium ethylsulfate) were measured at T=313.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The selectivity and aromatic distribution coefficients, calculated from the equilibrium data, were used to determine if this ionic liquid can be used as a potential extracting solvent for the separation of p-xylene from heptane and n-octane. The consistency of tie-line data was ascertained by applying the Othmer-Tobias and Hand equations. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.