Extraction of mandelic acid with ionic liquids: parametric study, model and process optimization with L-SHADE

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Green Chemistry
• Separation Science

Background:

• Mandelic acid (MA) is a valuable aromatic α-hydroxycarboxylic acid used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• MA is a gentler alternative to glycolic acid for treating skin conditions like acne and wrinkles.
• Efficient and sustainable extraction methods for MA are crucial for its industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize an innovative extraction method for mandelic acid (MA).
• To investigate the use of hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) as efficient extractants for MA recovery.
• To evaluate the regeneration and reusability of the ILs-based extraction system.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of MA using hydrophobic ionic liquids ([P66614][Phos] and [P66614][Dec]) combined with heptane.
• Optimization of extraction conditions including temperature, IL concentration, and pH.
• Application of artificial neural network (NN) and L-SHADE algorithm for process simulation and optimization.
• Regeneration of the organic phase using sodium carbonate for MA recovery and IL reuse.

Main Results:

• The highest MA extraction yield of 96.36% was achieved at 25°C using 160 g/L [P66614][Phos] in heptane at pH 2.
• The IL-based organic phase was successfully regenerated at 45°C with sodium carbonate.
• The developed NN model accurately predicted extraction performance, and L-SHADE optimized the process conditions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed ionic liquid-based extraction system is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly method for recovering mandelic acid.
• This sustainable approach offers significant potential for industrial and cosmetic manufacturing.
• The system allows for effective MA recovery and facilitates the reuse of IL extractants.