Published on August 4, 2014

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have found a method to transform algae oil into high-quality chemical raw material. This transformation will be achieved via isomerizing alkoxycarbonylation, which will enable the use of algae as a fundamental chemical component for a wide range of materials and products.

Algae are often used as a substitute for crude oil. Professor Stefan Mecking said, “We are very interested in probing the possibilities of using algae as a potential raw material in chemistry.”

“Research efforts around the globe are looking into the use of algae as a substitute for crude oil & fuel, especially kerosene. We want to go a step further and not only gain a replica of crude oil from algae, but also transform them into high-quality chemical constituents for use as chemical raw materials. In comparison with conventional vegetable oils, such as sun flower or rapeseed oil, algae oils have a significantly different structure which makes them attractive for the production of entirely different materials,” Professor Mecking explains.

Algae are considered to the base raw material for future production of sustainable energy. Agricultural benefits of algae include the fact that they do not occupy any agricultural space and can be grown without any hassles.

The Konstanz researchers have succeeded in demonstrating the full potential of algae- not only as a substitute for crude oil but also a basic chemical component in a catalytic process with high level of selectivity. During this reaction a functional group from the molecule centre is transformed into an ester group at the end of the molecule. This transformation of conversion has often been described as ‘a dream reaction’.

Further research into algae will be included in the studies of doctoral students at the Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology.