Olefin Metathesis of Renewable Platform Chemicals

Abstract

Olefinic double bonds are often found in the structure of natural compounds. This makes olefin metathesis a powerful tool for their transformation into valuable renewable platform chemicals and, in some cases, directly for targeted chemical products. Natural products display many different structures and functional groups, which in some cases challenge catalyst performance. In this respect, new catalysts with improved performance are constantly developed providing new application possibilities. This chapter covers the research performed in the field of olefin metathesis with renewable chemicals, starting from the early days of this chemical reaction to the present situation. Special attention is given to renewables naturally containing double bonds, like oleochemicals or terpenes. On the other hand, the introduction of double bonds in the structure of non-olefinic renewables, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, or peptides, and their use as olefin metathesis substrates are discussed. This chapter is subdivided in two main parts covering the synthesis of platform chemicals and the synthesis of polymers, respectively.