715. FLEMING, H. W. (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Separation of Oxygen-Containing Chemical Compounds. United States Patent 2,586,928. Feb. 26, 1952: appl. filed Jan. 4, 1949, Serial No. 69,233; 11 claims (Cl. 260-488).

Patent Abstracts

715. FLEMING, H. W. (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Separation of Oxygen-Containing Chemical Compounds. United States Patent 2,586,928. Feb. 26, 1952: appl. filed Jan. 4, 1949, Serial No. 69,233; 11 claims (Cl. 260-488).

Presents method for separating the close-boiling, difficulty separable mixtures of organic compounds containing aldehydes, ketones, esters, and alcohols obtained by the hydrogenation of CO. A typical mixture contains n-butyraldehyde, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, and H₂O. To accomplish the separation formic acid is added to the mixture in an amount stoichiometrically equivalent to the alcohol and acetate content, the alcohol and acetate being converted to the corresponding formate with the resultant formation of H₂O and acetic acid. A small amount of H₂SO₄ is added to catalyze the reaction. The products have the following boiling points: ethyl formate 54.3º, butyraldehyde-H₂O azeotrope 68º, methyl-ethyl ketone-H₂O azeotrope 73.45º, H₂O 100º, and acetic acid 118.1º. This mixture can be separated easily by a simple distillation.