Alkoxylation of Terpenes over Heterogenous Catalysts

Abstract

Monoterpenes are renewable raw material. They can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries as active components of drugs and ingredients of fragrances. Alkoxylation reactions of terpenes are important routes to obtain compounds with high commercial value. Traditionally, homogeneous acid catalysts (sulfuric acid) have been used in these reactions. However, these homogenous catalysts have some disadvantages such as, its separation from reaction mixture, they cannot be reused. The solid acids have many advantages over liquid acids. They do less harm to the environment and do not have corrosion or effluent disposal problems. They are reusable and easy to be separated from liquid products. This review focuses on alkoxylation of terpenes over heterogeneous catalysts.