Selective separation of aromatics from alkanes with a green mixture <scp>MA</scp> / <scp>TeEG</scp>

Abstract Liquid–liquid extraction separation of aromatics from alkanes facilitates their conversion into high‐value chemicals. Utilizing solvents composed only of C, H, and O elements can mitigate toxicity and environmental contamination from conventional solvents in liquid–liquid extraction separation of aromatics from alkanes. This study evaluated several C‐, H‐, and O‐based solvents mixed with maleic anhydride (MA), which tetraethylene glycol (TeEG) had the best effect. Through assessment of thermal stability and separation performance, the optimal extractant MA:TeEG (4:1) was identified. The selectivity for tetralin over n ‐dodecane using MA:TeEG (4:1) could reach 97.92 with a distribution coefficient of 0.1877, while the selectivity for toluene over n ‐heptane was 38.60 with a distribution coefficient of 0.2323, demonstrating its high selective separation efficiency. Multistage extraction experiments and reusability texts were further conducted. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the selective extraction mechanism was due to variations in van der Waals forces between the solvent and target components.