The catalytic isomerization reaction of cr-pinene to camphene over a clinoptilolite catalyst was investigated in a batch reactor open to the atmosphere between 130 and 155 degrees C. The catalyst was selective to the isomerization of alpha-pinene to camphene. The effects of several variables, such as reaction temperature, amount of catalyst, stirring speed and catalyst pArticle size, on the conversion of alpha-pinene and selectivity to camphene were determined. The reaction fits a first-order parallel reaction with rate constants of k(1) = 3.020.10(-2) e(-33381.6/RT) for the production of camphene and of k(2) = 1.576.10(-2) e(-31096.53/RT) for the production of limonene.

WOS: A1997XW32600018