But I already have two layers, the neutralised water and the oil/Butanol layer. Are you saying that the acetate is used to extract more water? Sorry I don't get it.
Hidden, I'm making propenyl not isosafrole. I know the proceedure is the same, but I had problems removing water from 3-Phenyl-1-Propene without loosing a lot of the allyl and when I did reflux the thing, with 2% KOH, 23hrs, I got no tempreture rise and no conversion. Also, I've tried drying KOH in the oven (electric) at all sorts of temps, beats me how you guys do it. I always end up with a pool of mush.
Regards,
FF.