Abstract

DIAZ ALVAREZ, Juan Carlos; MARTINEZ REY, Ramiro  and  BARRERO ACOSTA, Rigoberto. Ionic liquids: physicochemical properties and potential application in upgrading of heavy crude oils. Rev. ion [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.1, pp.61-87. ISSN 0120-100X.

This paper presents a review of recent advances in the field of ionic liquids as alternative reaction media in homogeneous catalysis with emphasis on transition metal catalyzed reactions and upgrading of heavy oils. This is done through an introduction to ionic liquids exhibiting their history, synthesis, physical and chemical properties and applications. This review selects and discusses examples of the different ways in which ionic liquids have been applied in homogeneous catalysis, i.e. as solvent, catalyst and and co-catalyst. In addition, we present an analysis of research studies reported in the literature to discuss the potential of ionic liquids in heavy oils upgrading.

Keywords : ionic liquids; biphasic catalysis; hydrogenation; oxidation; heavy oil upgrading.

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