The hydrogenolysis of 1,8-cineole

Abstract

Reaction of 1,8-cineole with hydrogen over supported platinum and palladium catalysts gives mixtures of cis- and trans-p-menthanes. p- Cymene is also produced from reactions at higher temperatures over palladium on pumice. Studies of reactions of potential intermediates and of the reaction of 1,8-cineole with deuterium have led to a proposed mechanism for the reaction.