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

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.