Reactive separation of gallic acid using tributyl phosphate dissolved in 2-octanone, laurylalcohol and heptane

Abstract Currently gallic acid is produced chemically from hydrolysis of naturally occurring compounds tannins. Recent advances show that it can be produced through bio-route involving the bioconversion of tannins by natural enzyme tannase produced by various microbes. This study presents the reactive extraction of gallic acid from aqueous phase with various diluents such as 2-octanone,lauryl alcohol, n-heptane using tributyl phosphate as extractant. Liquid liquid extraction (extraction with diluents alone) yields poor distribution of acid to organic phase and therefore the use of extractant is necessary to achieve any further separation.Distribution coefficient (KD) were obtained in the range of 1.94–27.57 for 2-octanone,1.12–8.83 for lauryl alcohol, and 0.20–22.07 for n-heptane. The extractant TBP was used in the range 10–40% (v/v) in diluent.