Abstract: Isomerization of α-pinene was examined by microwave irradiation. Microwave power, catalyst dosage, reaction time,charging method of raw material were discussed. Using turpentine as raw material, metatitanic acid as catalyst, catalyst dosage 1.7%(charged in two portions), microwave power 800 W, total reaction time 110 min, the resulted α-pinene transformation rate and camphene yield were 85.5% and 82.9%(based on the mass of raw material) respectively. Catalyst dosage was reduced about 40%,reaction time was decreased a great deal. Production rate was incresed at least 6 times. Purity and yield of camphene were increased more than 2.5% compared to traditional technique. Economic benefit was improved significantly.

Key words: microwave, α-pinene, isomerization