Patent ID: 6660899
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: C07C,C10G

Abstract:
A distillation process comprising at least partially separating mixtures of aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbon compounds employing an extractive distillation composition comprising:a. at least one organic sulfoxide of the formula R1â€”SOâ€”R2, and b. at least one acyclic organic sulfone of the formula R3â€”SO2â€”R4 â€ƒwherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 have at least one carbon atom and can be the same or different, and wherein the at least one organic sulfoxide is present in an amount effective to provide improved separation of the aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, as compared to a process employing the same extractive distillation composition not comprising the organic sulfoxide.