Urea Extraction Crystallization
The urea extraction crystallization is a process for separating linear paraffins (n-paraffins, n-alkanes) from hydrocarbon mixtures through the formation of urea-n-paraffin-clathrates. The process is primarily used to lower the pour point of petroleum products, by-products of the process are n-paraffins in high purity. The method may also applied for the separation of fatty acids and fatty alcohols. In addition to urea also thiourea is used in the process. History In 1939 German chemist Friedrich Bergen was trying different extractants to separate serum proteins from milk at low temperature. When he tried urea, he noticed that something weird was going on with milk lipids. A treatment with 1-Octanol, octanol Serendipity, serendipitously revealed that it combines with urea in large crystals. Bergen investigated different lipids, alkanes and alcohols and found out that at least six carbon atoms are required, and that branched hydrocarbons don't participate in the phenomenon. Not be ...
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