Ultra-deep removal of thiophene from model oil, catalyzed by amphiphilic ionic liquids in reverse micellar system

Amphiphilic imidazolium ionic liquids have been successfully applied in desulfurization of model oil. The reduction of thiophene content to below 1 ppm was achieved. Dual functionality of ILs used in this study allows to form the reactive reverse micellar system and to catalyze oxidation of thiophene into oxidation products effectively. A molecular interaction of H2O2 molecule with imidazolium C2-H proton may be considered as a one of the key factor of desulfurization process carried out in reverse micellar system catalyzed by imidazolium ILs. Furthermore, observed catalytic synergism of imidazolium ILs and H2SO4 also affects the high efficiency of this process.