The Dimerization Effects of Some Solutes on the Partition Coefficient kD in Binary Immiscible Solvents

Abstract

The dimerization of a solute dissolved in binary immiscible solvents shows that the value of the partition coefficient, kD of the solutes are influenced by the dimerization constant, K of the solute in one of the solvents according to the description: (C_X^A)/(C_X^B ) = kD + 2kD2KCxB where CxA and CxB are the concentrations of the solute x in the solvents A and B respectively. Both kD and K are parameters that predict the extent of beneficiation for most minerals. Also, kD is a fundamental parameter that determines the extent of solute recovery during solvent extraction. In this study, it is found that the order K kD and K kD are the effects for acetic and succinic acids respectively in the binary solvents composed of carbon tetrachloride/water and diethylether/water systems respectively. These results suggest that the distributions of these solutes in the solvents are accompanied by the formation of succinic anhydride which is more favoured than the dimerization of the acetic acid. Also, the changes in the values of distribution enthalpies, HD are corroborated to explain these experimental observations.