Continuous production of the renewable ρ-cymene from α-pinene

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility to produce ρ-cymene, an important commodity chemical, in a continuous, one-pot reaction system from abundant α-pinene, available e.g. as a by-product of pulping industry. The isomerization reactions of α-pinene over bimetallic heterogeneous catalysts, 3 and 5 wt% Pd–Zn (1:1, 1:4, 4:1, 1:0, and 0:1), supported on Al-SBA15 were studied. The principal reaction products were identified as ρ- and m-cymenes, limonene, camphene, and ρ-menthene, respectively. The highest concentration of ρ-cymene reached 77 wt% under the optimized reaction conditions: 300 °C and α-pinene feed of 0.03 mL/min. Two main reaction pathways toward ρ- and m-cymenes were described, and a mechanistic kinetic model, based on a plausible reaction network in line with Langmuir–Hinshelwood approach, was developed. The catalyst characterization revealed the reduction in Pd(II) sites, catalyst coking, and decline of surface area over the course of time. The catalyst recovery and reuse was addressed.