The dehydration of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol (pinacol) on LaHy, CaHy
and HZSM-5 zeolites has been investigated in the temperature range 39
3-438 K in solvent-free liquid phase. The formation of pinacolone (3,3
-dimethyl-2-butanone) and of 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene was observed.
The higher activity of Y faujasites was followed by considerable deact
ivation, while that of HZSM-5 remained constant.