Novel separation processes for the fractionation and purification of terpenes ; Novos processos de separação para o fracionamento e purificação de terpenos

Terpenes and terpenoids comprise one of the largest family of natural compounds. Due to their large chemical functionality and diversity, these compounds are explored in the development of many commercial products, including fragrances, pharmaceuticals, food additives, polymers, biofuels, and fine chemicals. This thesis is focused on developing new strategies and technologies for the extraction, fractionation, and purification of monoterpenes from their natural matrices. To that aim, different experimental and modeling approaches were implemented to obtain thermodynamic and equilibrium properties of systems containing terpenes and terpenoids. Thermophysical properties are essential for process simulation, safety storage, and environmental fate assessments. First, new vapor pressure, heat capacity, and phase equilibrium data of some pure monoterpenoids were experimentally measured. Also, flash point studies of monoterpene mixtures found in different essential oil profiles were carried out by experimental and modeling approaches. Likewise, experimental and predictive methodologies were applied to obtain octanol-water partition coefficients and water-solubilities of several monoterpenoids, and the data were used to assess their environmental distribution. Afterward, solubilities and partition coefficients of model monoterpenes in organic solvents were investigated. Different neoteric solvents have been recently proposed as promising separation agents for the fractionation and deterpenation of essential oils. In this context, phase equilibrium studies were conducted for systems containing quaternary ammonium salts due to the importance of these salts in the formation of eutectic solvents. Promising ionic liquids to separate terpenes from essential oils were also identified from infinite dilution activity coefficient studies. Finally, a process based on vacuum extractive distillation was proposed for the deterpenation of citrus essential oil. ; Terpenos e terpenóides contituem uma das maiores famílias de compostos ...