Current views of the mechanism of the catalytic isomerization of α pinene were discussed. Cata lytic systems, modifiers, process conditions, and the effect of process conditions on catalytic activity and on the target product (camphene, dipentene) selectivities of the process were considered. α Pinene isomeriza tion was investigated over a Belarussian natural aluminosilicate (Al-Si RB), its derivatives modified with HCl and H 3 PO 4 , modified diatomite (Al/Dia), and bentonite (ZSM 5/Ben). The commercial aluminosilicate catalyst AS 36 was used as a reference sample. Al-Si RB was treated with 10% HCl (50-250 ml/g) or 10% H 3 PO 4 (50-100 ml/g) at 50°C for 3 h. α Pinene was isomerized in a round bottom flask with a backflow condenser under flowing nitrogen. The rotational speed of the stirrer was 10 rps. The highest catalytic activity and the highest camphene selectivity were observed for Al-Si RB treated with 50 ml/g of HCl. With activated Al-Si RB and As 36, 85% α pinene conversion at 130°C and a catalyst concentration of 0.5 wt % was attained in 5.5 and 7 h, respectively. The camphene selectivity for Al-Si RB treated with 50 ml/g of HCl was 61%, being ~20 and ~10% higher than in the case of AS 36 and Al/Dia, respectively. Al-Si RB retained its catalytic activity for 70 h and could be fully regenerated with acetone.