RECOVERY OF ORGANIC ACIDS
A method is disclosed for the recovery of an organic acid from a dilute salt solution in which the cation of the salt forms an insoluble carbonate salt. A tertiary amine and CO 2 are introduced to the solution to form the insoluble carbonate salt and a complex between the acid and an amine. A water immiscible solvent, such as an alcohol, is added to extract the acid/amine complex from the dilute salt solution to a reaction phase. The reaction phase is continuously dried and a product between the acid and the solvent, such as an ester, is formed.
1 - 34 . (canceled)
35 . A composition comprising an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous phase, wherein the non-aqueous phase comprises:
a. a complex between an organic acid and a tertiary amine; and
b. normal alcohol.
36 . The composition of claim 35 , wherein the water immiscible solvent is an alcohol.
37 . The composition of claim 35 , wherein the water immiscible solvent is an alcohol selected from the group consisting of n-octanol, n-hexanol, n-pentanol, and n-butanol.
38 . The composition of claim 35 , wherein the tertiary amine is tributylamine or dicyclohexyl methyl amine.
39 . The composition of claim 35 , wherein the complex is tributylammonium acetate.
40 . The composition of claim 35 , wherein the composition further comprises an aqueous phase.
41 . The composition of claim 35 , wherein the composition further comprises an insoluble carbonate salt.
42 . A composition comprising:
a. an ester of an organic acid and a water immiscible solvent; and,
b. a tertiary amine.
43 . The composition of claim 42 , wherein the water immiscible solvent is an alcohol.
44 . The composition of claim 42 , wherein the water immiscible solvent is an alcohol selected from the group consisting of n-octanol, n-hexanol, n-pentanol, and n-butanol.
45 . The composition of claim 42 , wherein the tertiary amine is tributylamine or dicyclohexyl methyl amine.
46 . The composition of claim 42 , wherein the composition is substantially anhydrous.