To obtain an α-terpineol useful as soap, perfume and an aromatic ingredient for cosmetics from α-pinene, etc., by a one-stage reaction in high yield by using a specific rare earth metal catalyst as a catalyst.
(B) At least one selected from α-pinene, β-pinene and 3-carene (preferably α-pinene) is reacted with (C) a 1-6C (preferably 1-3C) fatty acid which may be substituted with a chlorine atom and (D) water in the presence of (A) a rare earth metal triflate (preferably scandium, yttrium, neodymium, gadolinium, dysprosium, ytterbium or lutetium) as a catalyst as shown by the equation to give (E) α-terpineol. The molar amount of the component A added is 0.001-0.05mol based on the total of the component B. The amount of the component C used is 0.1-5mol, especially preferably 0.5-2mol based on 1mol of the pinene.
YAMAMOTO JUNKO
ETSUNO JIYUNJI
