Removal of alkyl alkanesulfonate esters from alkanesulfonic acids and other organic media

摘要

Methods of removing alkyl alkanesulfonate esters from aqueous or anhydrous compositions are provided. The invention provides methods for the conversion of alkyl alkanesulfonate esters of the formula RSO₃R' to the corresponding acids of the formula RSO₃H. The alkyl alkanesulfonate esters are present in an organic medium, which may contain significant amounts of water or which may be anhydrous or substantially anhydrous. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for purifying aqueous or anhydrous alkanesulfonic acids by removing alkyl alkanesulfonate esters.