Pt- and Pd-catalysed limonene hydrogenation in high-density carbon dioxide

This paper discusses the development of catalytic (Pt, Pd) hydrogenation in high-pressure CO2 to convert limonene into valuable chemicals. It was noticed that varying the catalyst results in product regioselectivity. Platinum as catalyst favours the formation of p-menthane stereoisomers in equimolar quantities whereas palladium as catalyst furnishes trans-p-menthane and cis-p-menthane in 2:1 ratio. These results are in agreement with hydrogenation mechanisms for Pt- and Pd-catalysed reactions. Platinum is a more active catalyst than palladium, but higher activity results in lower chemical stability of the catalyst. Palladium as catalyst usually catalyses limonene isomerisation in the first stage of the process. Pressure tuning of the processes affects termination of the reaction. The flow rate of the reaction mixture through the stationary catalyst bed affects the composition of products; partially hydrogenated limonene is obtained at low flow rates and completely hydrogenated products at high flow rates.