Optimization of partitioning process parameters of chloramphenicol in ionic liquid aqueous two-phase flotation using response surface methodology

Ionic liquid aqueous two-phase flotation (ILATPF) is a green and effective separation and purification method, which combines solvent sublation and ionic liquid aqueous two-phase extraction system. This investigation attempts to study and optimize the partitioning conditions of chloramphenicol (CAP) in ILATPF. An experimental design of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the influence of the variables, including the type of ionic liquid (IL), K2HPO4 concentration, flotation time and gas flow rate on CAP flotation. Quadratic polynomial models were adjusted to the data to predict the behavior of two responses, namely the partition coefficient (K) and sublation efficiency (E) of CAP. The optimal flotation conditions were found using [C(6)mim]Cl, 0.74 g/mL K2HPO4, 50 min flotation time and 50 mL/min gas flow rate, which ensured K = 405.71 and E = 93.16 %. It was observed that the effect of the four factors on K and E of CAP was flotation time > gas flow rate > the type of IL > K2HPO4 concentration. The ILATPF was proved effective for CAP separation in aqueous phase, and RSM was revealed to be an appropriate and powerful tool for experimental design of CAP separation by ILATPF.