Esterification of α-Pinene from Turpentine Oil Using Natural Zeolite Catalyst

Turpentine is one of the oils obtained from pine trees with >80% α-pinene composition. Turpentine oil has a high selling value by making α-pinene derivative through an esterification reaction. The esterification reaction was carried out with time variation and reaction temperature using natural zeolite. Characterization of the catalyst using X-Ray Diffraction, IR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The esterification reaction product was analyzed by IR spectroscopy, and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy. The main product of α-pinene esterification reaction was α-terpinyl acetate (21.40%), and the selectivity of 28.87 %, produced at 40ºC for 3 hours.