Study on synthesis of high purity α-terpineol from turpentine oil

The one-step hydration of turpentine oil catalyzed by macroporous cation exchange resin to synthesize high purity α-terpineol was studied.The γ-terpineol,which is difficult to separate with α-terpineol,was reduced by controlling the ratio of turpentine oil,organic solvent(ethyl acetate or isopropyl alcohol),and water.The mass percent of catalyst to turpentine oil was 5%-10%.The reaction time was 6-10 h.The content of α-terpineol in reaction mixture solution except solvent and water was not over 1.5% by GC.The mass content of α-terpineol purified was over 92.0%.