Single cell oils have been studied intensely as a potential source of hydrocarbon fuels, with a final composition ideally similar to petroleum-based kerosene or Diesel. However, a more attractive prospective may be an upgrading to chemicals and materials exploiting the unique feedstock molecular structure. In general, these microorganisms not only produce more oil compared to plants; but also with a different fatty acid composition. Single cell oils contain fatty acids with unusual chain length and a high amount of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (e. g. docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid). Cross-metathesis of the mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids with short-chain alkenes yields olefinic products which can be subjected to further catalytic conversions. This provides an access to mono- and dicarboxylic acids not practically accessible to date, as well as to established carboxylic acids which are in strong demand due to an insufficient supply.<br/>

Catalytic upgrading of fatty acids from renewable single cell oils

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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