EXTRACTION EQUILIBRIUM OF 2-CHLOROPHENOL BY SULFURIC-ACID SALTS OF TRIOCTYLAMINE

The extraction equilibrium of 2-chlorophenol from an aqueous solution by the sulfuric acid salts of trioctylamine (TOA sulfate salts, or TOA salts) in an organic solvent was investigated. Sulfuric acid first re acts with trioctylamine (TOA) to form the TOA salts; then 2-chlorophen ol is extracted into the organic phase from the aqueous phase by the T OA salts. The modified Wilson model, which accounts for the equilibriu m of the chemical reaction of trioctylamine and sulfuric acid to form the various TOA salts, was applicable to the reaction in any organic s olvent at various temperatures to predict the extraction of 2-chloroph enol. The number of water molecules accompanying the various TOA salts , which reflects the extraction capability of 2-chlorophenol, was dete rmined. The results obtained from the modified model of equilibrium of the chemical reaction of trioctylamine and sulfuric acid are fairly c onsistent with the experimental data. The effects of the initial conce ntration of 2-chlorophenol, inorganic acids and organic solvents on th e distribution coefficient of 2-chlorophenol were investigated.