Limonene epoxidation with H2O2 promoted by Al2O3: Kinetic study, experimental design

• Cheap aluminum oxide catalyzes epoxidation of limonene in ethyl acetate solution.
• A kinetic study of the process has been made.
• Rate-limiting stage is the interaction between limonene and H2O2 on the alumina surface.
• The optimization of the process has been made.

A highly efficient oxidation of limonene with hydrogen peroxide promoted by cheap aluminum oxide has been studied. The reaction is a rare example of the epoxidation promoted by a derivative of non-transition metal having a single stable non-zero oxidation state (SSOS metal), and it affords epoxides which are highly valuable products (fragrances, food additives and monomers). Typically, ethyl acetate at 80 °C was used as a solvent. The experimental data have been described by the proposed kinetic scheme. The optimization of the limonene epoxidation using a 23 experimental design has been carried out.

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