Ce-modified mesoporous silica materials MCM-41 and SBA-15, namely 32 wt % Ce-Si-MCM-41, 16 wt % Ce-H-MCM-41 and 20 wt % Ce-Si-SBA-15, were prepared, characterized and studied in the selective preparation of trans-carveol by α-pinene oxide isomerization. The characterizations of these catalysts were performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and FTIR pyridine adsorption. Selective preparation of trans-carveol was carried out in the liquid phase in a batch reactor. The activity and the selectivity of catalyst were observed to be influenced by their acidity, basicity and morphology of the mesoporous materials. The formation of trans-carveol is moreover strongly influenced by the basicity of the used solvent and in order to achieve high yields of this desired alcohol it is necessary to use polar basic solvent.
Keywords: Ce–H–MCM-41; Ce–Si–MCM-41; Ce–Si–SBA-15; cerium; isomerization; trans-carveol; α-pinene oxide.