Esterification of α-pinene using TCA/Zeolite Y catalyst

Indonesian turpentine oil contains α-pinene (70-90%), β-pinene (5-10%), and 3-carene (4-10%). This study aims to determine the effect of temperature, time, and mass of the catalyst on the α-pinene esterification. The esterification was carried out at 25, 40 and 50°C for 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours with variations in the catalyst mass of 100, 300 and 500 mg. This reaction was carried out in a three neck round bottom flask equipped with a heater, thermometer and magnetic stirrer. The ester produced in the α-pinene transformation through the esterification is carvyl acetate. The optimum results were obtained at temperature of 40°C and the addition of catalyst of 500 mg with α-pinene conversion of 67.81% and selectivity of carvyl acetate at 81.92% for 1 h. (paper)