A new generation of ecocatalysts®-from ® -from Invasive Alien Species to sustainable and biosourced glyceryl fatty esters

A new generation of ecocatalysts (R) (R) derived from Invasive Alien Species (IAS) ( Fallopia japonica and Arundo donax) ) was used as starting material for the preparation of novel biosourced catalysts. The preparation of these ecocatalysts (R) (R) is a new way to support the management of IAS. These catalysts were characterized by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), which revealed basic properties. After calculating Pearson's correlations to evaluate the relative importance of reaction parameters, a design of experiments (DoE) was implemented to synthesize glyceryl caprylate and oleate with a high selectivity. These molecules constitute emollients and non-ionic emulsifiers of high industrial interest. The ecocatalysts (R) (R) were efficient and recyclable for the transesterification of methyl and ethyl fatty esters, leading to high yields (66-83%). These ecocatalysts (R) (R) are an alternative to usual base catalysts previously reported for the transesterification of methyl caprylate, methyl oleate and ethyl caprylate with glycerol, which are often non- recyclable, not systematically selective and require questionable preparation conditions.