METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GLYCOLIC ACID FROM AMMONIUM GLYCOLATE BY SOLVENT EXTRACTION

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for producing glycolic acid from an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using reactive solvent extraction. More specifically, an aqueous solution of glycolic acid is created by acidifying an aqueous ammonium glycolate solution. An organic extraction solution comprising a tertiary trialkylamine is contacted with the aqueous glycolic acid solution, whereby the glycolic acid is extracted into the organic phase. A back extraction process is subsequently used to isolate the substantially purified glycolic acid from the organic phase.