Optimization of heterogeneous continuous flow hydrogenation using FTIR inline analysis: a comparative study of multi-objective Bayesian optimization and kinetic modeling

Heterogeneous continuous flow hydrogenation is important in the chemical industry, yet the simultaneous optimization of yield and productivity has historically been complex. This study introduces a heterogeneous continuous flow hydrogenation system specifically designed for preparing 2-amino-3-methylbenzoic acid (AMA), employing FTIR inline analysis coupled with an artificial neural network model for monitoring. We explored two distinct reaction optimization strategies: multi-objective Bayesian optimization (MOBO) and mechanism-based intrinsic kinetic modeling, executed in parallel to optimize reaction conditions. Remarkably, the MOBO approach achieved an optimal AMA yield (99%) and productivity (0.64 g/hour) within a limited number of iterations. In comparison, despite requiring extensive experimental data collection and equation fitting, the intrinsic kinetic modeling approach yielded a similar optimal result. Thus, while MOBO offers a more efficient route with fewer required experiments, kinetic modeling provides deeper insights into the optimization landscape but may be impacted by non-chemical kinetic phenomena and requires significant time and resources.