Application of olefin metathesis in oleochemistry: an example of green chemistry

Abstract

The metathesis of natural oils and fats and their derivatives is a clean catalytic reaction that can be considered as an example of green chemistry. Using this reaction, oleochemical feedstocks can be converted into valuable chemical products, directly or in only a few reaction steps. With the development of catalysts that are active and highly selective under mild reaction conditions, there are favourable perspectives for the application of the metathesis reaction in the oleochemical industry.