SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF THE EFFICIENCY OF IONIC LIQUID-BASED CATALYSTS USED IN PETROCHEMICAL PROCESSES

Abstract

This article analyzes the scientific foundations, synthesis methods, nature of acidity, phase properties, and catalytic efficiency of ionic liquid-based catalytic systems used in petrochemical and oil refining processes. The triethylammonium chloride–aluminum chloride (Et₃NHCl–AlCl₃) chloroaluminate ionic liquid was selected as the primary model system. Methodologies were outlined for synthesizing this catalyst in a dry inert atmosphere, tuning its Lewis acidity by controlling the AlCl₃/Et₃NHCl molar ratio, and characterizing it using FTIR/Raman spectroscopy, NMR, viscometry, and acidity analysis. The prospects for applying ionic liquids in processes such as isobutane–butene alkylation, alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons, isomerization, and desulfurization were examined. A comparative analysis of literature data demonstrated that while high conversion and selectivity can be achieved with ionic liquid catalysts, issues regarding moisture sensitivity, mass transfer, corrosion, catalyst deactivation, and regeneration remain critical factors for industrial-scale application. The necessity of considering the full life cycle, toxicological profile, and regeneration costs of ionic liquids—rather than automatically classifying them as "green" catalysts—was substantiated.