Solar Synthesis of Limonene Epoxide

The silylation of crystalline titania P25, commonly used for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, results in an exceptionally selective catalyst for the aerobic limonene epoxidation to 1,2-limonene oxide under solar light irradiation. The hypothesized mechanism involves the singlet oxygen generated through energy transfer from the excited TiO₂ to adsorbed O₂ molecules. The reaction product is the valued precursor of bio-based poly(limonene carbonate), a thermoplastic polymer of superior thermal and optical properties whose industrial production is in need of an efficient green synthesis of limonene oxide.