Recovery of Itaconic Acid by Solvent Extraction

A new process to recover itaconic acid from dilute aqueous solution was developed. Tributyl phosphate is used to extract itaconic acid. Various factors, such as compositlon of the mixed solvents, concentration of itaconic acid in aqueous solution, and operating temperature were studied. The data of liquid-liquid equilibrium were determined and related. A preliminary discussion of the extractive mechanism is also outlined.