Conversion of α-pinene to terpinyl acetate over H-beta zeolites Original Research Article

A low temperature liquid phase process has been investigated by which α-pinene can be converted to terpinyl acetate in good yield using commercially available H-beta zeolites at 20°C. The rate of reaction of the α-pinene is directly related to the zeolite SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. Dealumination of the catalysts by acid treatment slightly improves reaction time. Increasing the temperature is detrimental, leading to an increase in the bornyl acetate concentration. The zeolites can be recycled. The process may be suitable for an industrial operation with the yield as good as that obtained by the current two-stage preparation.