PATENT

3439.  SOLOMON, E.  (M. W. Kellogg Co.).  Dehydration of Organic Acids.  United States Patent 2,581,452, Jan. 8, 1952; appl. filed Mar. 29, 1947, Serial No. 738,176; 14 claims (Cl. 260-419).

H₂O-soluble, fatty organic acids obtained in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO at elevated temperatures are removed from their aqueous solutions by selective solvent extraction by means of high molecular weight alkyl amines, such as tributylamine or triamylamine, or aromatic amines, such as quinoline and dimethylaniline.  Two phases are produced, an extract phase and a raffinate phase.  These are separated, and the solvent is recovered and returned to the process.