Abstract: A mixture of isomers of an alkylamine, for example ethylamine is separated into its constituent components by a process in which the mixture is first distilled and at least one pure component separated from the mixture. The remainder of the mixture is then subjected to a multi-stage liquid-liquid extraction, preferably in five theoretical stages using water as extractant. For example, in the separation of mixtures of ethylamines, substantially all of the mono-ethylamine and a large proportion of the di-ethylamine is recovered in the distillation stage. The use of a multi-stage extraction (instead of the more usual single-stage extraction) to treat the remainder of the mixture leads to an enhanced yield of tri-ethylamine and lower consumption of energy and of extractant.

Abstract: Mono ethylamine and diethylamine are separated together by distillation from mixtures comprising mono-, di- and tri- ethylamine and water, and the mono ethylamine is separated from the diethylamine by a subsequent distillation.