Extraction Equilibria of Butyric Acid with Organic Solvents

Abstract Fourteen solvents (five with a tertiary amine and different diluents, four C8-C18 alcohols, dibutylether, two hydrocarbons, and two vegetable oils) have been tested for the extraction of butyric acid. The highest distribution coefficient for butyric acid is shown by solvents with tertiary amines. A ternary solvent with amine extractant, n-alkanes as diluent, and higher alcohol as modifier can be advantageous in this procedure. Amines enable the extraction of acid at a pH above the pK a value up to about pH 5.6. With an increase of the molecular weight of alcohol, the value of the distribution coefficient decreases. Its value for pure alcohols is independent of the concentration of acid in the aqueous phase. Equilibrium data suggest that the stoichiometry of the acid-alcohol complex is 2:1, and only undissociated acid is extracted.