Agency of Industrial Science and Technology

Ensuiko Sugar Refining Co., Ltd.

Japan Organo Co., Ltd.

Makoto Chiwa

Yosuke Takagi

Isamu Uemasu

A mixture of xylene isomers or a mixture of a xylene isomer(s) and ethylbenzene is brought into contact with at least one specific substituted .alpha.-cyclodextrin to form an inclusion complex(es) of the substituted .alpha.-cyclodextrin with a xylene isomer or ethylbenzene included therein, from which the xylene isomer(s) and/or ethylbenzene is then extracted to isolate, or separate, the same. Inclusion-complexing agents usable in isolation, or separation, of the xylene isomer(s) and/or ethylbenzene are substituted .alpha.-cyclodextrin in the form of .alpha.-cyclodextrin having the hydrogen atom of at least one hydroxyl group thereof substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a glucosyl group, a maltosyl group, maltooligosaccharide residues, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a methyl group, a sulfonic group, alkylenesulfonic groups, and carboxyalkyl groups.

Inclusion-complexing agent for use in isolation of xylene isomer(s)

A mixture of xylene isomers or a mixture of a xylene isomer(s) and ethylbenzene is brought into contact with at least one specific substituted .alpha.-cyclodextrin to form an inclusion complex(es) of the substituted .alpha.-cyclodextrin with a xylene isomer or ethylbenzene included therein, from which the xylene isomer(s) and/or ethylbenzene is then extracted to isolate, or separate, the same. Inclusion-complexing agents usable in isolation, or separation, of the xylene isomer(s) and/or ethylbenzene are substitited .alpha.-cyclodextrin in the form of .alpha.-cyclodextrin having the hydrogen atom of at least one hydroxyl group thereof substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a glucosyl group, a maltosyl group, maltooligosaccharide residues, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a methyl group, a sulfonic group, alkylenesulfonic groups, and carboxyalkyl groups.

Growing community of inventors

Yachiyo, Japan

Makoto Chiwa