Reactive Extraction of Lactic Acid Using Trioctylamine with Environmentally Friendly Solvents

Abstract

In this study, the separation of lactic acid from aqueous solutions using trioctylamine (TOA) reactant and environmentally friendly solvents such as sunflower and rice bran oil was investigated, and it was aimed to contribute to the separation of lactic acid by reactive extraction. It is aimed to determine the most suitable reactant / solvent ratios with reactive extraction analyzes. As a result of the studies, the highest efficiency (72,91%) was achieved with the TOA reactant. An increase in yield occurred as a result of using both sunflower oil and rice bran oil (1:1) together. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the addition of TOA to the organic phase increases the extraction efficiency in the recovery of carboxylic acids from aqueous solutions. While the physical extraction yield was 11.85%, the yield increased up to 72,91% in reactive extraction. An increase in yield was observed about 7 times. As a result of the data obtained, it was understood that with the increase in the extractant concentration, the dispersion coefficient (from 0,13 to 2,69) increased, and the loading factor (from 1,79 to 0,69) values decreased. When the organic phase mixtures formed with the extractant and diluent combinations were examined, it was determined that the best results in terms of extraction efficiency were obtained when 3,62 M TOA for lactic acid was used.