Separation of nitroalkanes and alkanes by codistilling with methanol

Abstract

Abstract 1,218,706. Separation of nitroalkanes and alkanes. COMMERCIAL SOLVENTS CORP. 9 July, 1969 [26 Aug., 1968], No. 34622/69. Heading C2C. [Also in Division C5] A mixture of one or more nitroalkanes having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and one or more alkanes (including cycloalkanes) having 5 to 9 carbon atoms is separated by (a) adding methanol to the mixture in an amount sufficient to initiate co-distillation with the alkane or alkanes when said mixture is heated, (b) heating and codistilling the alkane-methanol thereby effecting separation of the alkane or alkanes and producing a residue of nitroalkane or nitroalkanes and methanol, and (c) separating the methanol from the nitroalkane or nitroalkanes. The alkanemethanol distillate may be condensed into two layers, and the lower methanol layer returned to the distillation unit until alkane no longer comes over in the distillate. The upper alkane is suitable for re-use without further treatment or it can be freed from methanol by distillation or washing with water.

Inventors

• 👤 John B Tindall

Bibliographic Details