Removal of Trace Benzene from Cyclohexane Using a MOF Molecular Sieve

Cyclohexane (Cy), commonly produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of benzene (Bz), is used in large quantities as a solvent or feedstock for nylon polymers. Removing trace unreacted Bz from the Cy product is technically difficult due to their similar molecular structures and physical properties. Herein, we report that a metal–organic framework (MOF) adsorbent shows a molecular sieving effect for Bz and Cy with record-high Bz/Cy adsorption selectivities (216, 723, and 1027) in their liquid mixtures (v/v = 1:1, 1:10, and 1:20), and traps Bz molecules effectively even at low partial pressure in the vapor phase (e.g., 2.49 mmol/g at 8.2 Pa) or at low content in liquid-phase Cy (e.g., 128 mg/g at 20 ppm). Over 99% removal of trace Bz (1000 ppm) from liquid Cy could be achieved in one simple stripping step at room temperature using this sorbent, producing a Cy with >99.999% purity. Single-crystal structure analyses for guest-free and Bz-loaded phases of the MOF disclosed that a narrow slit-like pore aperture and the strong uniting of multiple weak host–guest and guest–guest interactions are the co-origin of its distinct adsorption property for Bz and Cy.