Separation Science and Technology, Vol.36, No.12, 2623-2646, 2001
Removal of acetic acid impurities from ethyl acetate by adsorption on ion exchange resins
Removal of acetic acid impurities from ethyl acetate was attempted by sorption on basic ion-exchange resins. Kinetic studies showed that acid removal is controlled by intraparticle resistance from both ethyl acetate and alcohol. Breakthrough curves for uptake of the acid from ethyl acetate were obtained at different flow rates and concentrations. Desorption studies were performed using both ethyl acetate and alcohol. No appreciable resin degradation or loss of capacity was observed even after repeated adsorption-desorption cycles. Experimental equilibrium and kinetic data were used to predict the performance of the adsorption column.