Edeleanu process

The Edeleanu process is a type of extraction process in the petroleum refining industry, whereby liquid sulfur dioxide is used to extract aromatics from kerosene. Liquid SO₂ selectively dissolves the aromatics leaving behind the low aromatic content kerosene as the finished product.{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Edeleanu process|accessdate=2019-07-11}} It is named after the Romanian chemist Lazăr Edeleanu. The aromatic extract is then separated from SO₂ through rectification and SO₂ recirculation. Temperature is maintained at -20°C.Robert L. Brandt (1930): [https://www.academia.edu/26484191/The_Edeleanu_Process_for_Refining_Petroleum_1 The Edeleanu Process for Refining Petroleum], Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, 22 (3), pag. 218-223, {{doi|10.1021/ie50243a004}}

By using a blend of sulfur dioxide and benzene, some improvement can be effected, more suitable solvents such as furfural, phenol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone are used.