8 Commercial Production of Ionic Liquids
205
Fig. 8.4 Laboratory
falling-film evaporator (©
IOLITEC, 2019)
8.2.3.3 Removing Unreacted Amines and Heterocycles
Generally, removing polar starting materials having high boiling points must be
avoided. While solvents and many alkylating agents can be removed by distillation under reduced pressure, unreacted amines and heterocycles show a strong tendency to remain within the ionic liquid phase. Consequently, it is easier to perform
each synthesis process in a way that a reaction of these compounds is nearly 100%
complete.
8.3 Outlook
Though ionic liquids have already made their way into commercial processes and
applications, they will have the chance to enter even more fields if the prices drop
significantly. In many cases, ionic liquid producers see themselves faced with a
“chicken-and-egg problem,” in other words, if there is more demand the prices drop,
but on the other side there is more demand only if the prices drop.
205
Fig. 8.4 Laboratory
falling-film evaporator (©
IOLITEC, 2019)
8.2.3.3 Removing Unreacted Amines and Heterocycles
Generally, removing polar starting materials having high boiling points must be
avoided. While solvents and many alkylating agents can be removed by distillation under reduced pressure, unreacted amines and heterocycles show a strong tendency to remain within the ionic liquid phase. Consequently, it is easier to perform
each synthesis process in a way that a reaction of these compounds is nearly 100%
complete.
8.3 Outlook
Though ionic liquids have already made their way into commercial processes and
applications, they will have the chance to enter even more fields if the prices drop
significantly. In many cases, ionic liquid producers see themselves faced with a
“chicken-and-egg problem,” in other words, if there is more demand the prices drop,
but on the other side there is more demand only if the prices drop.