Simplex optimization of extractive alkylation procedures for organic acids in aqueous samples

Simplex optimization procedures may be used to optimize the yield from an extractive alkylation procedure. Three variables from the derivatization reaction (pH, methylating agent concentration, and phase transfer agent concentration) were chosen for optimization because they interacted with each other and could not be optimized by conventional means. The yield for methylation of adipic acid was doubled with relatively little effort. This procedure may be easily applied to other systems.