The following data were collected by Rushton, Nagata, and Rooney (AIChE J., 1964; 10:298) in a batch experiment on the distribution of octanoic acid between an aqueous (corn syrup–water) and organic...

The following data were collected by Rushton, Nagata, and Rooney (AIChE J., 1964; 10:298) in a batch experiment on the distribution of octanoic acid between an aqueous (corn syrup–water) and organic xylene (phase). 2000 mL of aqueous phase was initially placed in the tank with 200 mL of xylene. The mixer was started, and this system was brought to equilibrium with respect to drop size. When this completely mixed state was achieved, 250 mL of an aqueous solution of octanoic acid was added and the concentrations recorded.

a. Develop the mathematical description for this particular experiment. The initial concentration of octanoic acid in the 250 mL charge is 0.0041 g-mol/L.

b. How should the data be plotted so that it will lie on a straight line?

c. Prepare the plot, determine the slope of the line, calculate K_ma, and compare your value with that reported, 75 cm³/s.