Unsaturated renewable oil transformation into novel biofuel compositions via an olefin metathesis-transesterification-hydrogenation sequence

Abstract

The sequential ethenolysis, transesterification and hydrogenation of a model unsaturated renewable oil for the preparation of potential biofuels is reported herein. Ethenolysis conversions of up to 70%, using olive oil, were obtained applying a relatively low 2 bar ethylene pressure and toluene as solvent. The ethenolyzed olive oil was quantitatively transesterified with methanol and, subsequently, hydrogenated with molecular hydrogen over Pd/C, affording access to novel biofuel compositions, including different fractions of biogasoline, biokerosene and biodiesel.