Synthesis of 2-methylpiperazine by photocatalytic reaction in a non-aqueous suspension of semiconductor-zeolite composite catalysts.

UV irradiation onto a non-aqueous suspension of semiconductor-zeolite composite catalysts with N-(beta-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine (N-beta-HPEDA) produces 2-methylpiperazine and piperazine. The yield of 2-methylpiperazine and piperazine depends on the type of semiconductor and zeolite. A 5 wt% TiO2-Hbeta composite photocatalyst shows highest yield of 2-methylpiperazine.