Project period: 2024-2027
Funding: NCN Sonata 19, UMO-2023/51/D/ST4/01561
PI: dr Juan Pablo Martinez Lopez
This research initiative aims to systematically investigate ruthenium-based Hoveyda-type catalysts with spirocyclic scaffolds for cross metathesis reactions between ethylene and natural seed oils, known as ethenolysis. The goal is to improve understanding of catalytic transformations of poly- and monounsaturated fatty acid (PUFA and MUFA) esters and develop catalysts that facilitate the ethenolysis of seed oils under mild conditions. This is crucial for the sustainable production of value-added chemicals from renewable sources, which reduces dependence on crude oil. The proposed catalysts incorporate spirocyclic scaffolds synthesized with cyclic alkyl aminocarbenes (CAACs), designed to induce favorable driving forces and low activation energies in ethenolysis reactions. The research emphasizes the use of environmentally friendly processes, including operations at ambient temperature, user-friendly protocols, and green solvents such as supercritical carbon dioxide or naturally derived fatty alcohols.
Selected publications
coming soon ...