AIChE Journal, Vol.60, No.11, 3916-3924, 2014
Phase Equilibria and Structural Properties of Thiophene/[Bmim][BF4]: A Molecular Insight from Monte Carlo Simulations
The phase equilibria of thiophene in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) is calculated by Monte Carlo simulation in Gibbs ensemble using a united atom force field. The liquid density of studied ionic liquid and the vapor pressure of thiophene in [Bmim][BF4] were compared with corresponding experimental data reported in the literature, and a good agreement was obtained. In order to describe the solubility of thiophene in this ionic liquid, we have calculated the radial distribution functions and spatial distribution functions of thiophene/IL mixtures to study the interaction of thiophene with cations and anions of [Bmim][BF4] in the liquid phase. The local composition concept in fluid was also examined to give further insight into the liquid structure. The results show that thiophene is well organized around the terminal carbon atom of the butyl or methyl chain attached to the imidazolium ring of cations and tends to adopt a symmetrically distribution on the anions. (C) 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers