The Decomposition Reaction of Cineols with Acids in the Presence of Synthetic Zeolites

Abstract

The decomposition of 1, 8-cineol [1] with formic acid in the presence of A-4 and A-5 zeolites afforded predominantly α-terpineol [6]. The decomposition of 1, 4-cineol [2] with trichloroacetic acid in the presence of A-4 zeolite afforded predominantly β-terpineol [4]. The decomposition of [2] with formic acid gave 1-terpineol [7] with high selectivity (90% at optimum).