EXTRACTION OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDS FROM A DILUTE AQUEOUS STREAM

摘要

The present invention provides a process for removing free carboxylic acid from an aqueous solution comprising a mass fraction of less than 1 %wt of the free carboxylic acid, which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the aqueous solution with a depleted solvent comprising a polyamine extractant to obtain an extract enriched in free carboxylic acid and a raffinate having a reduced free carboxylic acid content; and (b) separating the raffinate from the extract, wherein the polyamine extractant is a compound containing at least two nitrogen atoms, and at least one double bond between a nitrogen atom and a carbon atom, wherein the carboxylic acid is produced by the fermentation of biomass.