Conversion of alpha-pinene to terpinyl acetate over H-beta zeolites

A low temperature liquid phase process has been investigated by which a-pin ene can be converted to terpinyl acetate in good yield using commercially a vailable H-beta zeolites at 20 degreesC. The rate of reaction of the cr-pin ene is directly related to the zeolite SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. Dealumination of t he catalysts by acid treatment slightly improves reaction time. Increasing the temperature is detrimental, leading to an increase in the bornyl acetat e 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. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.