(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary system of (water + butyric acid + oleyl alcohol) at T = (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K are reported. Complete phase diagrams were obtained by determining solubility and the tie-line data. The reliability of the experimental tie lines was confirmed by using Othmer-Tobias correlation. The UNIFAC method was used to predict the phase equilibrium data. The phase diagrams for the ternary mixtures including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented. Distribution coefficients and separation factors were evaluated for the immiscibility region. A comparison of the solvent extracting capability was made with respect to distribution coefficients, separation factors, and solvent-free selectivity bases for T = (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K. It is concluded that oleyl alcohol may serve as an adequate solvent to extract butyric acid from its dilute aqueous solutions. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.