Metalloporphyrins as catalysts in the oxidation of terpenes

Abstract EN

Terpenes are an abundant group of natural compounds that can be transformed into products of higher commercial value.

One of the approaches for the functionalization of terpenes is the oxidation in the presence of an oxygen atom donor, under the influence of a suitable catalyst.

Metalloporphyrins, with structures based on the well known meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPPH2), are amongst the catalysts commonly studied.

The porphyrin complexes have demonstrated to be efficient catalysts in the oxygenation of terpenes; these transformations have been studied in the presence of different oxygen atom donors.

Oxidations under heterogeneous conditions have demonstrated certain advantages when compared with those carried out under homogeneous phases, but the catalysts availability needs to be overcome.