Production of ?-terpineol from ?-pinene

Abstract

?-Terpineol is a monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance material in perfumery industry and for the production of some volatile compounds. Several techniques have been described in the literature for its synthesis. These techniques recommend the conversion of olefinic terpenes to their hydrochlorides or esters with acids, followed by hydrolysis into the desired alcohol. This paper describes a method which involves hydration of ?-pinene to terpinhydrate which is then dehydrated to give ?-terpineol. Cation exchange resin was also used in an oxygen-free medium to obtain ?-terpineol in higher (73%) yield.