Study on Oxalic Acid Extraction by Tripropylamine: Equilibrium and Computational COSMO-SAC Analysis

Abstract

Oxalic acid was extracted from aqueous solution using tripropylamine (TPA) in different organic solvents. Ten organic solvents such as 1-butanol, isoamyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone (DIBK), isobutanol, n-hexane, dimethyl glutarate, ethyl propionate, and diethyl carbonate (DEC) were used to prepare an organic phase with TPA. From the experimental data, some thermodynamic coefficients were calculated such as the distribution coefficient (K D ), loading factor (Z), and the extraction yield (E %). It is discovered upon examination that the physical extraction analyses performed with pure solvents for oxalic acid extraction from aqueous media can be improved essentially by adding TPA. As per the results obtained, the most effective oxalic acid extraction is achieved with an extraction productivity (efficiency) of 99.86% and a K D of 716.948 if 2.608 mol kg −1 of TPA diluted in MEK is utilized as the extractant mixture. The COSMO-SAC model has been used to analyze the experimental data for the first time. This model provides insight into the interactions between substances with good results.