Limonene epoxidation by molecular sieves zincophosphates and zincochromates

Conversion of limonene in its derivatives has been an interesting process due to its high value for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. The use of molecular sieves based on transition metals in heterogeneous catalysis, and specifically in oxidative processes, has shown good results. Oxidation of limonene has been studied using zinc based catalyst, hydrogen peroxide as oxidative agent and t-butanol or tetrahydrofurane as solvents at different reaction times and temperatures. 1,2-Epoxi-limonene, carvone, carveol and limonene-1,2-diol were obtained as main products.