Prins cyclization of isoprenol with various aldehydes using MoO3/SiO2 as a catalyst

Solvent Influence on Selectivity in α-Pinene Oxide Isomerization Using MoO3-Modified Zeolite BETA

Natural source turpentine is an available source of α-pinene oxide. This compound’s value is especially given by the possibility of producing important compounds campholenic aldehyde and trans-carveol. In this work, we would like to present the usage of MoO3-modified zeolite BETA in α-pinene oxide isomerization concerning campholenic aldehyde and trans-carveol formation using a wide range of solvents. Catalyst calcination temperature also influenced the reaction course (selectivity to desired compounds and reaction rate). MoO3-zeolite BETA was prepared by the wet impregnation method and characterized by different techniques. The use of polar aprotic solvents had the most positive effect on the reaction course. Solvent basicity and polarity considerably influenced the reaction rate and selectivity to particular products. The combination of high basicity and the high polarity was the most suitable for the studied reaction from the reaction rate point of view. Selectivity to campholenic aldehyde and trans-carveol was the most influenced by solvent basicity. Higher solvent basicity caused the preferential formation of trans–carveol, influence on selectivity to campholenic aldehyde formation was the opposite. The described catalyst may be used for α-pinene oxide rearrangement to both desired products dependently on the used solvent. Molybdenum offers an exciting alternative for previously described modifications of zeolites for this reaction.

Heterogeneous catalysts in the aldol condensation of heptanal with cyclopentanone

A large number of heterogeneous catalysts were tested in the aldol condensation of heptanal with cyclopentanone. There are many possible products from this aldol condensation, among which the most desired is 2-heptylidenecyclopentanone. As heterogeneous catalysts, the following were tested: caesium modified zeolites, functionalized MCM-41, and single (MgO, CaO, ZnO) and double (Mo–Si, Mg–Al, Zn–Al) metal oxides. The activity of modified zeolites and functionalized zeolites in this aldol condensation was low, whereas single and double metal oxides possessed high activity. The highest selectivity to the desired 2-heptylidenecyclopentanone (52%) was obtained using magnesium oxide as catalyst.