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Study of the steam distillation of phenolic compounds using ultraviolet spectrometry

Journal Article · · Anal. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00294a034· OSTI ID:6148148

The steam distillation of 42 phenolic compounds was studied by use of a semimicro steam distillation apparatus and ultraviolet spectrometry. In the distillation, the following gave recoveries greater than 95%: phenol, 2-nitrophenol, 2-methoxyphenol, 2-bromophenol, 2-chlorophenol, 2,3- and 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,4-dibromophenol, 2-, 3-, and 4-methylphenol, 4-chloro-2-methylphenol, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4-, and 3,5-dimethylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-tert-amylpheno,, thymol, and carvacrol. The percent recovery for the other phenolic compounds was as follows: 3-nitrophenol, 3.7%; 4-nitrophenol, 1.8; 3-methoxyphenol, 31.1; 4-methoxyphenol, 23.2; 3-bromophenol, 79.6; 4-bromophenol, 67.8; 3-chlorophenol, 93.5; 4-chlorophenol, 91.6; 3,4-dichlorophenol, 64.1; 2,4-dinitrophenol, 21.2; 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, 0.0; 2-aminophenol, 0.1; 3-aminophenol, 0.2; 4-aminophenol, 0.1; pyrocatechol, 1.6; resorcinol, 04.; hydroquinone, 0.0; pyrogallol, 0.7; and phloroglucinol, 0.1. By the examination of the spectra of the undistilled, distilled, and residual solutions, it is concluded that the aminophenols undergo some decomposition and the hydroquinone is almost completely destroyed during the distillation. The important role that hydrogen bonding (intermolecular and intramolecular) plays in the recovery in the steam distillation is examined. 9 references, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Villanova Univ., PA
OSTI ID:
6148148
Journal Information:
Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 58:3; ISSN ANCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English