Theoretical investigations towards an understanding of the α-pinene/camphene rearrangement

The rearrangement of α-pinene to camphene in an acidic environment, a reaction widely used on an industrial scale, has been studied by use of DFT/DZP theoretical methods. p-Menthadienes were rationalized as the main products of the proton catalyzed reaction whereby camphene is the main product if a catalyst providing a taylor made environment is present. Tricyclene, bornylene and α-fenchene are shown to be byproducts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]