Selective isomerization of β-pinene: a sustainable method for total utilization of turpentine as a biomass resource†

Abstract

Abundant and naturally available terpenes, such as α-pinene, are gaining attention as polymer building blocks, providing a biogenic source to replace fossil carbon feedstocks. However, α-pinene extraction from the natural source, turpentine, requires energy demanding and wasteful distillation processes. Here, we used a facile and green photocatalytic approach to obtain highly pure α-pinene, allowing total utilization of turpentine as a biomass resource.