A process for making terpene esters is disclosed. Reaction of a terpene
alcohol with acetic anhydride in the presence of a high-boiling amine
provides a terpene ester. Acetic acid, which is distilled from the
reaction mixture as it forms can be recovered. The terpene ester is
distilled from the high-boiling amine to provide a product that is
substantially free of nitrogen-containing impurities. The reaction
mixture can be reused for subsequent acylations. The simple, economical
process gives high-quality terpene esters while avoiding waste-disposal
issues of other common acylation procedures.