Switchable hydrophilicity solvents and methods of use thereof

摘要

A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

主权项

1. A composition comprising:
water or an aqueous liquid; dissolved CO2 from a source other than air; bitumen; and a switchable hydrophilicity solvent (SHS) that is an amine that reversibly interconverts from a water-miscible, protonated form to a water-immiscible, liquid, unprotonated form when the amount of the dissolved CO2 is insufficient to maintain the protonated form of the SHS; wherein the dissolved CO2 can be removed by exposing the composition to (i) heat, (ii) a flushing gas, (iii) reduced pressure, or (iv) any combination thereof.