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Separation of phenols from dilute aqueous solution by use of tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide as extractant

Journal Article · · Solvent Extr. Ion Exch.; (United States)
Trioctyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) is examined as an extractant for phenol and other phenolic compounds. Equilibrium distribution coefficients have been measured for extraction of phenol, dihydroxybenzenes, and trihydroxybenzenes by solvents composed of TOPO in various diluents. Results are interpreted in terms of a model based upon complexation stoichiometry, allowing for solvation of uncomplexed solute as well. TOPO is a strong complexant for all the phenolic solutes studied. The nature of the diluent has a significant effect upon distribution coefficients, and in the case of an alcohol diluent reduces the distribution coefficient for phenol considerably. The degree of complexation remains appreciable at temperatures which would be used for regeneration of phenol by distillation. This makes it necessary to use a diluent boiling at least 70/sup 0/C to 80/sup 0/C higher than the boiling point of phenol, which is 182/sup 0/C. Regeneration studies are reported for isobutyl heptyl ketone, dimethylnaphthalene, and a mixture of dimethylnaphthlene and n-octadecane as diluents. Extraction with TOPO will be most worthy of consideration for feed concentrations of phenol equal to 3000 ppM or less, or for extraction of di- and tri-hydroxybenzenes.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
5384399
Journal Information:
Solvent Extr. Ion Exch.; (United States), Journal Name: Solvent Extr. Ion Exch.; (United States) Vol. 3:1-2; ISSN SEIED
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English