Epoxidation of Terpenes

Abstract

Terpene epoxides are considered as potential primary intermediates in the synthesis of numerous green polymers including epoxy resins, polycarbonates, nonisocyanate polyurethanes and even some polyamides. In this chapter we describe recent efforts from our group to develop catalytic and noncatalytic processes for terpene epoxidation using a variety of oxidizing agents and process intensification methods. Most experimental tests deal with limonene epoxidation with applicability to some other terpenes also demonstrated.