050 Plant Oils into Everyday Products

Authors: Karol Grela (head of the Organometallic Synthesis Laboratory), Anna Kajetanowicz (Deputy head of the Organometallic Synthesis Laboratory), Adrian Sytniczuk (main synthetic chemist in the Organometallic Synthesis Laboratory)

The chemical industry is undergoing a sustainability revolution, swapping fossil fuels for renewable resources like vegetable oils. At the heart of this shift is olefin metathesis – a molecular “shuffling” technique that rearranges carbon bonds in plant-derived oils to create valuable chemicals. Our team designed a new class of ultra-efficient catalysts that work like microscopic assembly lines, transforming methyl oleate (a key component derived from plant oils) into high-demand substances like 9-DAME and 1-decene at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm – equivalent to one sugar cube in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

These catalysts thrive where others fail, resisting breakdown from oxygen, water, and impurities that typically plague industrial processes. This robustness makes them ideal for converting FAME (biodiesel feedstock) into:

• Bio-lubricants for electric vehicles and machinery
• Surfactants for eco-friendly detergents
• Plastic building blocks for biodegradable polymers
• Advanced motor oils that reduce engine wear

The benefit for Silicon Valley

The technology aligns with the region’s green tech ambitions, offering scalable solutions to replace petrochemicals in industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to personal care. By enabling solvent-free production and tolerating “real-world” industrial conditions, these catalysts slash energy use and costs – key factors for startups and established companies alike. This version emphasizes scalability, industrial relevance, and Silicon Valley’s sustainability goals while avoiding overly technical language. Focusing on ppm concentrations as relatable analogies helps general scientists grasp the innovation’s significance.