New Method for the Extraction of Lactic Acid by Means of a Modified Extractant (Aliquat 336)

A novel method for the extraction of lactic acid by means of a modified extractant is proposed. A quaternary ammonium salt (Aliquat 336), dissolved in 1-decanol and n-dodecane, is treated successively with different concentrations of ammonium carbonate for replacement of the chloride anion with a carbonate one. The effects of the initial lactic acid concentration, pH of the aqueous solution, and extractant concentration on the extraction efficiency are studied, and a comparison between the modified extractant and its classical form is established. The obtained results permit one to conclude that the carbonate form of Aliquat 336 is more efficient than the classical chloride one. An extraction mechanism in both cases is assumed.