ABSTRACT
Extraction is the unit operation that partitions at least one solute between two partially miscible liquid phases that differ in bulk density by approximately an order of magnitude or less. The combination of extraction with a reaction comprises a large class of industrial processes. Industrial applications of reactive extraction are found in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, nutraceutical, and nuclear industries. Hydrometallurgical extraction utilizes both chelations and ion-pair formation as active chemical mechanisms for extraction. In the case of metals purification, extraction is enhanced with specific reaction chemistries. The irreversible reduction reaction of the plutonium is superimposed on an extraction and scrubbing process. An unwanted heterogeneous hydrolysis reaction occurs when acetic acid is extracted from an aqueous stream using an acetate solvent. Transesterification involves the reaction between an ester and a second compound in which alkoxy groups or acyl groups are exchanged to a different ester.
