Isolation of indole from coal-tar fractions by liquid extraction

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Coke Chem. USSR (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5412691

Zaretskii, M I; Chartov, E M; Golub, V B; Taits, S Z

Indole is a valuable intermediate in fine organic synthesis; it is used in the perfumery industry, in the production of plant growth stimulants, notably heteroauxin and in the production of amino acids such as triptophan and its derivatives. In recent years, indole derivatives have also found use in the manufacture of medicinal preparations. The main source of indole in the USSR at present is the coking industry. Coal tars from southern and eastern plants contain 0.22 and 0.50% indole respectively, while the wash-oil fractions contain 1.7 to 2.0 and 3.5 to 4.5%, respectively. Coal tar could yield over 6000 tons/yr. A method has been developed for concentrating and isolating indole from commercial coking-plant fractions by continuous liquid extraction. Conditioned extract fractions have been made under test-rig conditions and have yielded 99% pure indole by rectification in an enlarged laboratory unit. The experimental results form the basis of a proposed processing flowsheet.

• OSTI ID: 5412691
• Journal Information: Coke Chem. USSR (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 5; Other Information: Translated from Koks Khim.; No. 5, 37-41(1981)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
INDOLES
RECOVERY
USES
COAL TAR
EXTRACTION
PROCESSING
PURIFICATION
USSR
ASIA
AZOLES
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PYRROLES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TAR
010500* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Products & By-Products