Emerging catalysis in biomass valorisation: simple Zn(II) catalysts for fatty acids esterification and transesterification

Abstract

The growing concern about global warming and the consumption of fossil fuels has driven in recent decades the use of biomass as a renewable feedstock. In this context, vegetable oils, the corresponding fatty acids (FAs) and esters (FAEs) have primary importance: their esterification and transesterification lead to innovative products, that find application in several sectors, from biofuels to solvents, from surfactants to cosmetic ingredients and plasticizers. Lewis acid catalysis represents the most accredited methodology for developing processes of esterification and transesterification in line with sustainability requirements. The results available so far reveal the prevalent catalytic role of Zn(II) salts and coordination compounds, due to their beneficial eco-toxicological profile, combined with an appropriate acidity, finely tunable through selective functionalization. This review provides a picture of the state of the art in this important sector of biomass valorization. Roberto Esposito received his PhD in Chemical Sciences in 2018 at the University of Naples Federico II under the supervision of prof. F. Ruffo. He is researcher at the Department of Chemical Science of the University of Naples Federico II and his main research topics are W (VI), Zn(II) and Fe(III) based catalysts for conversion of biomasses and chemistry of tetra-coordinated and penta-coordinated complexes of Pt(II). Massimo Melchiorre graduated in Chemical Sciences in 2018. He is Board Member of ISusChem s.r.l., innovative start-up and university spin-off at the Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche of the Università di Napoli Federico II. Company activity consists in biomass conversion and bio-based products development.

A 3D printable adapter for solid-state fluorescence measurements: the case of an immobilized enzymatic bioreceptor for organophosphate pesticides detection

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Parts-Per-Million (Salen)Fe(III) Homogeneous Catalysts for the Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oils

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