Isomerisation of ?-pinene over Beta zeolites synthesised by different methods

Abstract

Liquid-phase α-pinene isomerisation at l00°C in a batch reactor is studied over Beta zeolites synthesised by different methods. It is confirmed that α-pinene forms a carbenium ion in an acidic environment, which rearranges without capture by nucleophiles, to form mainly hydrocarbons as camphene, terpinenes, terpinolenes and heavy products. The microporous Beta samples show low activity despite the high acidity most probably because of the hindered intermediate formation. The nature of the enhanced activity of Beta mesopores samples is suggested to be a result from the high accessibility of the acidic sites. The isomerisation of α-pinene was studied over Beta zeolites synthesised by different methods. The main products are camphene, terpinenes, terpinolenes and heavy products. Beta zeolites with micro-/mesopores reveal excellent activity because of the appropriate balance between acidity and bimodal pore system. The microporous Beta samples show low activity despite the good total acidity most probably because of the steric effect for the formation of the intermediate cations.