Extraction of lactic acid by means of a mixed extractant

Equilibrium studies on the extraction of lactic acid by means of a mixed ex tractant (a mixture of tri-n-octylamine and Aliquat 336 in decanol) are car ried out. Different ratios between the two extractants are investigated, an d the obtained results are compared with those using the individual extract ants. The effect of the initial pH of the aqueous solution on the extractio n extent is. followed in a large interval. The equilibrium pH values are al so measured. The obtained results give grounds to conclude that the mixture of a tertiary amine and a quaternary ammonium salt is more efficient than the individual extractants. This makes it particularly appropriate for the recovery of lactic acid from fermentation broth.