“…Since the four tocopherol homologues are likely to have different hydrogen bond acidities due to their structural difference in the number and position of methyl groups on the chromanol head, they may be effectively separated with each other by certain ILs via hydrogen bonding interaction. So, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C 4 mim]Cl) was selected as a model extractant for the separation of tocopherol homologues, as it had a relatively strong ability of interacting with hydrogen bond donor molecules (Armstrong et al, 1999;Xie et al, 2008). (Armstrong et al, 1999;Xie et al, 2008) (Armstrong et al, 1999;Xie et al, 2008) (Armstrong et al, 1999;Xie et al, 2008) (Armstrong et al, 1999;Xie et al, 2008) (Armstrong et al, 1999;Xie et al, 2008) [C 4 mim]Cl was diluted with methanol before use as it was highly viscous or even solid near room temperature.…”