Synthesis of camphene by alpha-pinene isomerization using W 2O3-Al2O3 catalysts

W2O3–Al2O3 catalysts prepared by ‘sol–gel’ and impregnation methods were characterised by XRD, FTIR and nitrogen adsorption. Both catalysts were tested in the isomerization of a-pinene in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure and 150 C. Conversion of a-pinene and selectivity to camphene was superior for the ‘sol–gel’ catalyst than that observed for the impregnated catalyst.