Isomerization of α-pinene to camphene

The catalytic isomerization reaction of α-pinene to camphene over a clinoptilolite catalyst was investigated in a batch reactor open to the atmosphere between 130 and 155°C. The catalyst was selective to the isomerization of α-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 α-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.