Keyes Process

Name:
Keyes Process
Detailed information:
A distillation process involving the addition of benzene to a constant-boiling 95% alcohol-water solution to obtain absolute (100%) alcohol. On distillation, a ternary azeotropic mixture containing all three components leaves the top of the column while anhydrous alcohol leaves the bottom. The azeotrope (which separates into two layers) is redistilled separately for recovery and reuse of the benzene and alcohol.