The partition coefficient of itaconic acid in two phase system of acrylonitrile and water

Abstract

The water/ACN distribution coefficient of itaconic acid, favoured for the aqueous phase increases further on addition of water soluble suspending agents and phase transfer catalyst (PTC). The distribution coefficient diminishes with rise in temperature. The partition coefficient is independent of the concentration

of the solute until saturation in the organic phase and this saturation point shifts to a higher concentration regime with increase in temperature. The differential heat of solution (Δ<i>H</i>)<i> </i>calculated from the temperature dependency of partition coefficient and that from the equilibrium solubility of IA in the two phases

are practically the same. Δ <i>H </i>value decreases in the presence of water soluble organic additives, while inorganic additives increase it marginally.