Abstract: A new route to synthesize p-menthanediamine (MDA) from terpin hydrate was conducted in the paper, through which di-azido-p-menthane is synthesized at an average yield 73.1% by reaction between terpin hydrate and sodium azide catalyzed by sulphuric acid followed by hydrogenation catalyzed by Lindlar catalyst to give MDA at an average yield of 86.3%. The total yield is 63.1% based on the terpin hydrate. The purified product MDA was analyzed with GC, and its chemical structure was identified through GC-MS, FTIR, ¹H NMR. Thereafter, the product was applied as a curing agent to prepare an epoxy-resin. Results showed that it has properties similar to the marketed p-menthane-1,8-diamine. The synthetic route was proved to be effective and feasible for the preparation of MDA.

Key words: p-menthanediamine, di-azido-p-menthane, terpin hydrate, sodium azide, Lindlar catalyst