Thermal transformations of some monoterpene compounds in supercritical lower alcohols

This review systematizes the results of basic studies on thermal transformations of phytogenic terpene compounds (α‐ and β‐pinenes, turpentine, cis‐verbenol) performed in supercritical lower alcohols. The main result is the demonstration of a considerable increase in the rate of thermal isomerization of monoterpene compounds in supercritical lower alcohols, with the retained selectivity toward target products of the reaction as compared to the rate of similar reactions conducted in the gas or liquid phase. The kinetic studies provided a deep insight into the isomerization mechanism of these compounds and elucidated the role of supercritical solvent in a manifold increase of the reaction rate compared to isomerization of the same compounds in the gas or liquid phase. The pressure of a supercritical solvent was shown to strongly facilitate the acceleration of the reactions under study. Chemical transformations of the considered terpene compounds in supercritical fluid solvents can be used as a basis of modern highly efficient technologies for the production of a wide range of practically important organic compounds, medicinal and perfume substances. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.