(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) results for the ternary mixtures of (methanol or ethanol + toluene or in-xylene + n-dodecane) at three temperatures (298.15, 303.15 and 313.15) K are reported. The compositions of liquid phases at equilibrium were determined by g.l.c. measurements and the results were correlated with the UNIQUAC and NRTL activity coefficient models. The partition coefficients and the selectivity factor of methanol and ethanol are calculated and compared to suggest which alcohol is more suitable for extracting the aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene or m-xylene) from n-dodecane. The phase diagrams for the ternary mixtures including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented. From the phase diagrams and the selectivity factors it is concluded that methanol has a higher efficiency as a solvent in extraction of aromatic hydrocarbon from alkane Mixtures. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.