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.
organometallic catalysis; catalysis; electrocatalysis and photocatalysis (properties and mechanisms); green chemistry