Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating and concentrating an organic component having a lower boiling point than water from an aqueous solution containing the organic component which comprises the steps of (1) bringing an aqueous solution containing an organic component having a lower boiling point than water into contact with one surface of a hydrophobic porous membrane, continuously or intermittently evacuating the side of the porous membrane opposite to the aqueous solution to obtain a concentrated vapor of the organic component, and liquefying the vapor; and (2) bringing the resulting concentrated aqueous solution into contact with one surface of a hydrophobic nonporous membrane, evacuating the side of the non-porous membrane opposite to the concentrated aqueous solution to obtain a further concentrated vapor of the organic component, and liquefying the vapor.

Abstract: T-Butyl alcohol is produced by reacting isobutylene with an aqueous organic acid solution in the presence of an acidic ion-exchanger. t-Butyl alcohol can be produced by this process from a mixed gas containing isobutylene and n-butene. The process is also applicable for separation of isobutylene from a mixed gas containing isobutylene and n-butene.