The screening and selection of solvents for the extraction of phenol from water

Abstract

Abstract The thermodynamic basis foi the selection of solvents for the removal of phenol by liquid‐liquid extraction from waste water is discussed. Data are presented showing the often marked dependence of distribution coefficient on solute concentration at levels of 5 to 1000 mg/l. Experimental and literature data for the infinite dilution activity coefficient of phenol in 26 solvents at 25°C are correlated using a Regular Solution approach by assigning a value to an interaction energy term dependent on the chemical nature of the solvent. The accuracy is not sufficient for design purposes but the method can be used for screening. Toxicity and biodegradability of the preferred solvents are discussed.