Catalytic Deoxygenation of Tall Oil Fatty Acids Over a Palladium-Mesoporous Carbon Catalyst: A New Source of Biofuels

Catalytic deoxygenation of tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) was demonstrated over palladium catalysts supported on mesoporous carbon at 300 A degrees C using dodecane as a solvent. Maximally 95% selectivity to linear C17 hydrocarbons was achieved. The effects of reaction atmosphere and initial TOFA concentration were investigated.