Catalysis for Oleochemical Platforms

The present review articles the most recent efforts, made in the Department of Chemical Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II, in the catalytic treatment of biomasses derived from vegetable oils. The review is focused on several technologies aimed at the production of either biofuels or valuable chemicals: (i) biodiesel production; (ii) esterification to obtain high-added value products; (iii) epoxidation of vegetable oils; (iv) glycerol ketalization; (v) oxidative cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids. The results are critically summarized to highlight the scientific activities and the main results in the field of biorefinery concept.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the latest efforts in the catalytic treatment of biomasses derived from vegetable oils by the Department of Chemical Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II. The review focuses on several technologies aimed at producing biofuels or valuable chemicals, including biodiesel production, esterification for high-added value products, epoxidation of vegetable oils, glycerol ketalization, and oxidative cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids. The results are critically summarized to highlight scientific activities and main achievements in the field of biorefinery concept.