Optimization of the Geraniol Transformation Process in the Presence of Natural Mineral Diatomite as a Catalyst

Abstract

Process optimization is increasingly finding applications in chemical engineering. The reason for this increase in applications is to create more efficient and sustainable technological processes. Thanks to innovative models, it is possible to plan an experiment in a given field of study without much complication and carry out the optimization of such a process, achieving goals in a much shorter time period. This paper describes the performance of optimization of the geraniol transformation process in the presence of a catalyst of natural origin—diatomite. Response surface methodology (RSM) was chosen as the method. For this purpose, the following parameters were used as variables: temperature (80, 110, and 150 °C), catalyst concentration (1 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt%), and reaction time (0.25 h, 12 h, and 24 h). At the same time, the functions describing the process and response functions were the conversion of geraniol (GA) as well as the selectivity of conversion to beta-pinene (BP), respectively. The obtained results made it possible to identify the optimal set of parameters at which the highest values of GA conversion and the selectivity of conversion to BP are obtained. It turned out that the GA transformation process is best carried out at 80 °C at a diatomite concentration of 1.0 wt% and a reaction time of 0.25 h.