| abstract |
An extraction solvent comprised of one or more ethyleneamines having structure (I), (II), or (III): n nwhere R 1 -R 6 can independently be H, C 1 -C 4 linear or branched alkyl, amido (RRNC═O), or hydroxyalkyl, where each R in the amido group independently H or C 1 alkyl, and where x ranges from 1 to 6, may be contacted with a hydrocarbon stream to remove or extract non-acidic contaminants, such as thiophenes, benzothiophenes, alkyl sulfides, alkyl disulfides, mercaptans, aromatics, oxygenates, metals, olefins, and combinations thereof, from the hydrocarbon stream. The extraction solvent may include co-solvents and the hydrocarbon stream may be in gas and/or liquid form. |