This invention relates to a process for removing polarizable impurities from hydrocarbons and mixtures of hydrocarbons using ionic liquids as an extraction medium. By way of extraction, the degree of contamination of the hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons is reduced to a low or very low level. The specific ionic liquids are compounds of the Formula 1, which are organic salts that are liquid or can be melted to form a liquid and that can form at least a biphasic mixture with a hydrocarbon. The process is suitable for purifying a wide range of hydrocarbons under a wide range of process conditions.