Properties of Desilicated ZSM-5, ZSM-12, MCM-22 and ZSM-12/MCM-41 Derivatives in Isomerization of α-Pinene

Limited information is available on the isomerization of α-pinene proceeding on zeolites and related desilicated materials. We wish therefore to report on the title reaction proceeding over ZSM-5, ZSM-12 and MCM-22 type zeolites, parent and modified by the sodium hydroxide treatment. The NaOH solutions of various concentrations (0.05–1 M) were used as a desilicating agent. Such treatments with basic solutions were applied: (i) under atmospheric pressure, and (ii) under hydrothermal conditions. It was shown that ZSM-12 was more resistant towards the basic solutions treatment, and its structure was retained over a whole range of NaOH concentrations studied. Nitrogen sorption revealed strong influence of the desilication process on the pore structure of modified materials—the mesopores system was formed in the zeolite crystals. Finally, catalytic studies were carried out using ZSM-5, ZSM-12, MCM-22, their desilicated derivatives and a ZSM-12/MCM-41 composite material. Catalytic properties of the samples studied were affected to a large extent by the NaOH treatment.