(271b) Semi-Batch Reactive Distillation for Isopropyl Acetate Synthesis

Abstract: Batch reactive distillation, which combines flexibility of batch process with advantages of reactive distillation, should be viewed as an effective process alternative to conventional batch processing. Semi-batch operation is an important operation mode for batch reactive distillation. For the isopropyl acetate synthesis, we show that, in a semi-batch reactive distillation, a continuous reactant (acetic acid) feeding can function as an entrainer to improve desired liquid-liquid split. Compared with a batch reactive distillation, the semi-batch reactive distillation with a continuous acetic acid feeding can substantially reduce presence of isopropanol in distillate. Consequently, loss of isopropanol in the aqueous phase can be decreased and purity of water can be improved without any external entrainer. For the semi-batch reactive distillation, isopropyl acetate can be obtained from the organic phase of distillate in a form of isopropyl acetate-water binary mixture, which can be separated completely by heterogeneous distillation.