Liquid cation exchanger

A method for removing an organic compound from an aqueous solution, the method comprising:

• a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising an organic compound with a hydrophobic organic solution comprising a hydrophobic liquid cation exchanger, and
• b) separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution,
• wherein the organic compound has a formula I
• NH3+-A-COOR1 (I),
• wherein R1 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or a negative charge and A is an unsubstituted, linear alkylene group comprising at least three carbon atoms,
• wherein the liquid cation exchanger is a fatty acid, and
• wherein the contacting is performed at a temperature of 28 to 70° C.