Liquid-Liquid Equilibria in Aqueous Two Phase System (K2HPO4/1,3-propanediol/water/methanol) for 1,3-Propanediol Extraction

Biobased production of 1,3-propanediol is a good alternative to adding value to raw glycerin byproduct of biodiesel production process. Technologies used in downstream processing significantly influences the cost of capital and production. Aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE) has been reported as a suitable alternative for 1,3-propanediol extraction. This paper presents liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) data for quaternary aqueous two phase system of water + 1,3-propanediol + methanol + K₂HPO₄ at T = 308.15 K . The experimental LLE data were correlated with NRTL-Electrolyte model. Distribution coefficients and selectivity were derived from the experimental LLE data to evaluate 1,3-propanediol extraction.