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The black decomposition product of isobutyl oleate at high temperatures is likely a complex mixture of carbon-based compounds, including char, soot, and various hydrocarbons. These decomposition products form due to the breakdown of the oleate molecule and subsequent carbon-carbon bond formation.
Separating these decomposition products from your mixture is challenging. However, you can attempt the following:
1. Filtration: Use a filter paper to remove any solid char or soot particles.
2. Solvent Extraction: Try extracting the isobutanol and sulfuric acid with a suitable solvent like water or a dilute base. This may leave the decomposition products in the original phase.
3. Distillation: Distillation can separate the isobutanol and isobutyl oleate based on their boiling points. However, some decomposition products might co-distill.
It's crucial to note that the effectiveness of these methods depends on the specific conditions of your reaction and the properties of the decomposition products. A comprehensive analysis using techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is needed to identify the specific components of the decomposition product mixture.